The phrase signifies a cultural phenomenon centered round short-term retail shops specializing in Halloween costumes, decorations, and equipment that seem yearly in vacant storefronts. These institutions grow to be distinguished landmarks within the weeks main as much as October thirty first, providing a big selection of seasonal merchandise. The idea evokes a way of anticipation and nostalgia related to the Halloween season.
The recurring nature of those shops establishes a recognizable rhythm throughout the annual calendar. Their short-term presence and subsequent disappearance contributes to a definite seasonal identification and a shared communal expertise. The shops function a visual signifier of the vacation’s strategy, prompting engagement with associated traditions and celebrations. This affiliation offers a dependable and accessible supply for Halloween-related merchandise, catering to a broad demographic.