It was founded in 1983 and began in the Castro Valley "Village Shopping Center" in the San Francisco East Bay Area, California, and has headquarters in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

In early summer Spirit Halloween typically puts out teaser videos on social media and YouTube to create excitement for new items.

[9] His approach to short-term leases, locations, and the stocking of widely varied merchandise was novel in the Halloween retail sector.

[12] In October 2016, a store in Nebraska removed Native American costumes after the state's Indian community said they were disrespectful to their culture.

However, the corporate office ordered the costumes put back on the shelves, prompting a wider debate on cultural appropriation.

The program annually celebrates Halloween at hospital locations, supplying costumes and decorations for the events.

[19] On April 11, 2022, it was announced that a film adaptation starring Christopher Lloyd and Rachael Leigh Cook was in development, with Strike Back Studios, Hideout Pictures, Particular Crowd and Film Mode Entertainment as co-producers, David Boag directing in his feature directorial debut, and Billie Bates writing.