This Beloved Retailer Originated in 1983, and It's Prepping for a Massive 2026 Comeback
The 1980s were a golden age for retail, a glorious decade when a trip to the mall wasn't just an errand-it was an event. Kids begged their parents for visits to Toys "R" Us, where Geoffrey the Giraffe practically felt like a celebrity. Shoppers browsed the endless aisles of RadioShack in search of the latest gadgets, flipped through racks at Chess King, and spent hours wandering stores like Waldenbooks and B. Dalton before online reviews and e-readers were even a thing. The mall food court was booming, the neon was bright, and consumerism was having a moment.
Of course, not every beloved retailer survived the decades that followed. Many once-mighty chains have faded into retail folklore, living on mostly through nostalgic social media posts and "remember this?" conversations. But a few have managed to stand the test of time-or at least reinvent themselves along the way.
Take Spirit Halloween, which debuted in 1983. While it didn't become the seasonal powerhouse we know today until later, it's one of those rare retail success stories that's still going strong. And now, as it gears up for its 2026 return, shoppers are once again preparing for that annual ritual: watching an empty storefront magically transform into a Halloween wonderland seemingly overnight.
If anyone needs proof that Spirit Halloween isn't merely hanging on but absolutely thriving, this is it. As the 2026 spooky season slowly emerges, starting with Summerween, the retailer is gearing up for its largest hiring push in history.
Spirit plans to hire more than 52,000 seasonal employees to open over 1,500 locations across the U.S. and Canada for Halloween shopping in 2026. For millions of shoppers, spotting that familiar orange-and-black sign is now as much a part of fall as pumpkin spice and changing leaves. Not bad for a retailer that only sticks around for a few months each year.
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How Can You Apply to Work at Spirit Halloween?
If you're looking for part-time or seasonal work, Spirit is a great option for earning a little extra cash. The retailer recommends texting "REAPER" to 85000 to apply for the 2026 season, or visiting Work4Spirit.com for more information. It's looking to fill all kinds of positions, from sales associates to store managers, and with that sweet 30 percent employee discount, you'll definitely have the best costume in town.
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 1:05 PM.