Halloween Returns: Take a Look Inside Alabama’s First Spirit Halloween Stores of 2026
Spirit Halloween has begun opening stores across Alabama, giving shoppers an early look at this year's costumes, animatronics and spooky décor weeks before many schools return to class.
Chloe Mitchell 
Summer is still in full swing across Alabama, and plenty of students are still enjoying their break, but a familiar, eerie chill is beginning to settle in. That can only mean one thing: Spirit Halloween has officially returned to the state.
Spooky Season Hits Alabama
The seasonal retail giant has once again begun its tradition of converting vacant storefronts into massive, immersive Halloween destinations. From iconic masks like Ghostface and Michael Myers to elaborate, jump-scare-ready animatronics, these locations are fully stocked and ready to help residents get a head start on their festive shopping.
The excitement isn't limited to Alabama. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the company celebrated the opening of its North American flagship store in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, this past Saturday, drawing thousands of eager fans to the event.
New Locations Across the State
South Alabama fans were among the first to experience the thrill, as locations in Daphne, Dothan, and Mobile opened their doors on Saturday. The Daphne storefront is tucked away in a local strip mall, while the Mobile location has taken over the former Big Lots space at Springdale Mall.
According to the company’s website, there are 14 locations currently planned for Alabama. Shoppers can expect stores popping up in a variety of repurposed spaces, including:
- A former Best Buy in Hoover
- A former Dirt Cheap in Anniston
- A former Big Lots in Florence
- A former Bargain Hunt in Gadsden
More openings are on the horizon throughout the month. Huntsville residents will see two new stores land along University Drive, while the Birmingham area is set to welcome a location inside a former Hibbett Sports. Additionally, a second Mobile store is preparing for launch at the Festival Shopping Center on Airport Boulevard.
Since launching in 1983, Spirit Halloween has mastered the art of the seasonal pop-up, offering an extensive range of costumes for all ages alongside high-end props and decorations. Whether you are looking for infant outfits or terrifying animatronics to anchor your porch display, the transformation of these empty retail spaces into spooky sanctuaries is officially underway at 205focus.com.
