I worked at Spirit Halloween for 3 years. Here are 9 mistakes I saw customers make when shopping for costumes and decor.

After working at Spirit Halloween for three years, I’ve identified common mistakes customers make.

Stephanie Pitera Statile

I worked at Spirit Halloween for three years and saw many customers make the same mistakes.
I always encouraged shoppers to invest in high-quality pieces they can reuse year after year.
Many customers forgot to check Halloween makeup for irritants and allergens.

Halloween has always been more of a lifestyle than a holiday for me, much to the chagrin of my husband and family.

Although I worked at Spirit Halloween — the seasonal chain known for taking over empty storefronts — for three years, I’ve been a longtime customer and have even joked that the store was created just for me.

Here are nine mistakes I saw customers make while shopping for their costumes and seasonal decor at the popular Halloween chain.

Going straight for the lowest price instead of investing in quality pieces

Two Chucky Halloween costume packages, with the one on the left reading "Spirit Signature Collection." — I’ve found Spirit Halloween’s Signature Collection costumes are made with higher-quality fabrics.

Stephanie Pitera Statile

If you only plan to wear a costume once, it’s fine to go for the cheap stuff. But investing a little more can extend the costume’s wear.

Spirit Halloween offers a line of Signature Collection costumes, which cost more but are made with higher-quality fabrics. I’ve found these pieces can last through several years of Halloween events or cosplay fun.

And, in my opinion, investing in great accessories to complete the look is just as important. For example, if you’re dressing up as a vampire, fangs can add an extra layer to the costume. However, a cheap pair probably won’t last the night.

The Scarecrow-brand fangs are my favorite.

Stephanie Pitera Statile

My personal favorite is the Scarecrow brand of fangs because they come in different sizes for a more custom fit.

Buying makeup kits without proper application and removal products

A makeup display at Spirit Halloween. — Spirit Halloween offers an extensive collection of Halloween makeup.

Stephanie Pitera Statile

Makeup can really elevate a costume’s look, but let’s face it, most Halloween-store makeup isn’t top quality. I recommend protecting both your skin and your look by investing in quality products like primer, setting powder, and heavy-duty setting spray.

If you’re using prosthetics, be sure to purchase Spirit Gum adhesive and remover. Without it, removing prosthetics can be difficult. And you definitely don’t want to join that next-day Zoom meeting still dressed as Hellboy.

Failing to check makeup and prosthetics for irritants

Always test makeup and adhesives for allergic reactions by using a small amount of the product on the inside of your wrist. Wait at least 20 minutes to see how your skin reacts.

Before purchasing any products, read the package carefully and search for any irritants or allergens.

Not browsing the entire store

A display of Halloween accessories, hats, masks, and weapons at Spirit Halloween. — Accessories can be found throughout the store.

Stephanie Pitera Statile

When shopping for accessories to complete your look, keep your eyes open and peruse the entire store because hidden gems are everywhere.

The checkout line, in particular, is always full of the best selection of chokers, earrings, and other fun novelty items.

Only coming into the store once per season

Never make just one trip per season to Spirit Halloween, as stores get truckloads of new merchandise delivered weekly. Chances are you’ll find something new every time you visit.

I also recommend asking an associate on the sales floor when the next delivery will be. I was always happy to help customers find the latest products.

Failing to read the labels on animatronics

Large animatronics on display at Spirit Halloween. — A lot of Spirit Halloween’s animatronics are designed for covered outdoor use.

Stephanie Pitera Statile

When purchasing animatronics, always make sure you read the box before making a purchase.

A lot of the animatronics are made for outdoor, covered use only. That means that they can break down from exposure to weather (especially humidity that can mess with the electronics) if left outdoors unprotected.

Not signing up for email and text offers

Most people are tired of receiving email and text offers, but I think Spirit Halloween’s are worth it. By signing up, you’ll get a 20% off coupon to use during your next visit.

You’ll also receive exclusive emails throughout the year about new props and displays, and notifications when stores near you are opening or hiring.

Returning items before calling support

Most people don’t realize that Spirit Halloween has its own tech support hotline. Before returning any electronics to the store, call the Zombie Tech Squad (their number is displayed on all prop directions).

Most times, they can troubleshoot your issue and save you a trip back to the store, which can be super helpful during the busy Halloween season.

Forgetting that we stay open after Halloween

Don’t skip out on the clearance sales on November 1 and 2.

Three years ago, my store was still putting out new stock until closing on October 31. All of that merchandise is typically discounted by 25% to 50% the next day.

This story was originally published on October 12, 2023, and most recently updated on October 15, 2025.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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I worked at Spirit Halloween for 3 years. Here are 9 mistakes I saw customers make when shopping for costumes and decor.

Going straight for the lowest price instead of investing in quality pieces

Buying makeup kits without proper application and removal products

Failing to check makeup and prosthetics for irritants

Not browsing the entire store

Only coming into the store once per season

Failing to read the labels on animatronics

Not signing up for email and text offers

Returning items before calling support

Forgetting that we stay open after Halloween

Tech companies dominate the top 10 brands of 2025, a new study says

Turin is meant to be one of Italy’s most elegant cities. My trip there was nice, but I wouldn’t go back.

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Channels

Recently Played

I worked at Spirit Halloween for 3 years. Here are 9 mistakes I saw customers make when shopping for costumes and decor.

Going straight for the lowest price instead of investing in quality pieces

Buying makeup kits without proper application and removal products

Failing to check makeup and prosthetics for irritants

Not browsing the entire store

Only coming into the store once per season

Failing to read the labels on animatronics

Not signing up for email and text offers

Returning items before calling support

Forgetting that we stay open after Halloween

Tech companies dominate the top 10 brands of 2025, a new study says

Turin is meant to be one of Italy’s most elegant cities. My trip there was nice, but I wouldn’t go back.

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