Spirit Halloween Opens in Ohio at Former Big Lots and JoAnn Fabrics Store

New Life for Abandoned Stores: Spirit Halloween Expands Across Ohio

Several former retail locations in Ohio are set to be transformed into spooky-themed stores by Spirit Halloween. This pop-up retailer is known for taking over abandoned storefronts during the Halloween season, and this year is no different. The company has secured spaces that were once occupied by well-known retailers such as Big Lots, JoAnn Fabrics, JCPenney, and others.

Spirit Halloween operates more than 1,500 seasonal locations across North America, according to reports. These stores are typically located in strip centers and malls, offering a wide range of Halloween costumes, decorations, and accessories. The company has been particularly active in repurposing spaces left behind by businesses that have gone bankrupt or closed down.

When Will Spirit Halloween Open?

While the exact opening date for most of Spirit Halloween’s stores isn’t listed on their website, it is generally expected that they will open in August. In 2024, the company's flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, opened on August 1. Prior to that, the stores typically opened around the end of July. This pattern is likely to continue this year, with many locations in Ohio opening in early August.

Ohio Locations: From Big Lots to JCPenney

This year, Spirit Halloween will operate more than 50 stores across Ohio. Many of these locations are in former Big Lots, JoAnn Fabrics, and JCPenney stores. Some of the specific locations include:

• Akron: Former Event Center at 1850 Buchholzer Blvd. and former JoAnn at 1500 Canton Road.
• Cincinnati: Former Dick’s at 5555 Glenway Ave., former American Freight at 10200 Colerain Ave., and former JCPenney at 9365 Fields Ertel Road.
• Columbus: Former Buy Backs at 3749 Easton Market and former Pier 1 at 1320 Polaris Pkwy.
• Cleveland: Former Old Navy at 3399 Steelyard Drive.
• Toledo: Former Bulk Beverage Outlet at 3314 Secor Road and former TJMaxx at 829 W. Alexis Road.
• Youngstown: Former Bed Bath & Beyond at 550 Boardman Poland Road and former Rite Aid at 307 Boardman-Canfield Road.

Other cities like Alliance, Ashtabula, Beachwood, and many more will also see new Spirit Halloween locations. Some of these stores are in spaces that were previously used by other retailers, including Party City, Dillard’s, and even Toys R Us.

Retailers That Have Been Replaced

Spirit Halloween has taken over spaces from several major bankrupt companies. These include:

• Big Lots: Filed for bankruptcy in September 2024.
• Forever 21: Filed for bankruptcy in March 2025.
• Kmart: Filed for bankruptcy in January 2002, with its parent company, Sears Holdings, filing in October 2018.
• Party City: Filed for bankruptcy in January 2023 and again in December 2024.
• Joann Fabrics: Filed for bankruptcy in March 2024 and then again in January 2025.
• Rite Aid: Filed for bankruptcy twice, in October 2023 and May 2025.
• Circuit City: Filed for bankruptcy in November 2008.
• 99 Cents Only Stores: Filed for bankruptcy in April 2024.

A Long History of Spooky Retail

Spirit Halloween first opened its doors in 1983 in the Bay Area. It was acquired by Spencer's Gifts in 1999. Over the years, the company has grown significantly, becoming a go-to destination for Halloween enthusiasts across the United States. With its expansion into former retail spaces, Spirit Halloween continues to find creative ways to keep the spirit of the season alive.