4 Spirit Halloween stores come to the Lakeland area

The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.

The outside of a Spirit Halloween store, with a large banner of a grim reaper and cardboard cutouts of costumes in the windows.

Can you guess what retailer occupied this space before Spirit Halloween?

Photo by LALtoday

Do you remember the Burlington Coat Factory in north Lakeland? What about the Badcock Furniture near downtown Winter Haven? Those retail spaces have something in common — they’re getting dressed up as Spirit Halloween stores.

The seasonal chain has converted four vacant retail spaces in the Lakeland area into Spirit Halloween stores, including:

  • 2536 US 92, Lakeland — formerly CVS
  • 3800 US Hwy. 98 N., Lakeland — formerly Burlington Coat Factory
  • 1395 6th St. NW, Winter Haven — formerly Badcock Furniture
  • 1427 S. Collins St., Plant City — formerly Big Lots (opening soon)

Spirit’s lore

Let’s pull the mask off and learn more. Spirit Halloween finds temporary leases and moves into retail spaces that would otherwise be vacant. This is why there are so many — to the point it’s become a meme — and they might be in different locations next year. Did you know? The chain is owned by Spencer Gifts LLC, you know, that quirky novelty store from the mall.

Local shops

Prefer to shop local? There are many stores with a scary good selection of new and pre-owned clothing that can help you create a Halloween costume (or dress you up any day of the year). We recommend:

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