This Spirit Halloween in Duarte is a seasonal pop-up store located in the plaza next to Buena Vista…read moreMarketplace. They were here last year for the month of October, and it seems they've returned for the same time this year. There's plenty of parking in this area, and it's conveniently situated next to the newly opened Dollar Tree.
Out of all the Spirit Halloween stores I've visited, this one is definitely one of the nicer ones. It's larger, with more space to move around, cleaner, and much better organized, with fewer crowds compared to other locations. Right when you walk in, you're greeted by impressive Halloween displays and moving animatronics. These are available for purchase but tend to be on the pricier side. The technology behind these displays seems to have evolved, with some animatronics even featuring sensor tracking--so their faces move as if they're watching you. This year, it seems they're going for a carnival theme, with decor like the "Wheel of Fate," "Down the Duck," and "World Famous Side Shows" stage, complete with a ticket booth and a walk-through "Fun House." It's all very inventive and adds to the spooky atmosphere.
There's a huge selection of Halloween-related items here, from costumes to accessories. You'll find masks, pumpkin carving kits, and an extensive collection of costumes. They have everything from the classic skeletons and ghosts to themed characters. I was particularly impressed by the Spongebob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Five Nights at Freddy's, and Harry Potter sections. However, the costumes are on the expensive side--for example, the Squidward inflatable costume is a hefty $59.99! Some of these costumes, like Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy, could easily be made for cheaper with a bit of DIY effort.
Regardless, if you're looking to get into the Halloween spirit, this is a great spot to visit. The displays are fun, the selection is wide, and even though the prices can be high, it's still worth checking out for the experience alone.