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Spirit Halloween canceled its annual season-opening event due to “supply chain challenges,” the company said in a social media announcement.
Although the retailer did not mention tariffs, the company pointed to “international disruptions” as an additional reason it is pausing a celebration at its Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, flagship store. The company did not immediately respond to Retail Dive’s questions about how tariffs impacted the decision.
The event, which launched in 2021, typically showcases the company’s best costumes, accessories and decor for the upcoming Halloween season and is open to the public. The specialty retailer said it intends to bring back the event in 2026.
Spirit Halloween is on schedule to open its seasonal stores in mid-August with plans for over 1,500 locations, the company said last week in an Instagram post, adding “Halloween never dies.” The company, which says it is the largest Halloween retailer in the U.S., sets up temporary stores in strip centers and malls across North America.
At the end of last year, the company began testing Spirit Christmas locations throughout the Northeast.
“Spirit Christmas is a new concept for us, and we’re hopeful it will resonate with our customers,” a company spokesperson said at the time. “Our goal is to create a festive retail experience that captures the spirit of the season, much like we do for Halloween.”
A volatile tariff situation has impacted both retailers and shoppers alike, as the Trump administration has moved forward, and in some cases backed away, from levies. As a result, retailers including Walmart have warned shoppers about increased prices due to their impact.
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Retail Dive: Operations newsletter. You can sign up for it here.