As summer fades, Home Depot prepares for the highly anticipated arrival of their Halloween merchandise, set to launch next Monday. A standout feature of this year’s collection is the beloved 12-foot skeleton, affectionately named Skelly, which has become a must-have for Halloween enthusiasts since its debut in 2020. Notably, Skelly features movable arms and captivating eye effects that can glow in vivid blue or hazel shades, as well as flash various designs like hearts, stars, and dragons. This enchanting skeleton has sold out annually, much to the dismay of those who wait too long to purchase one.
Eager customers can snag a Skelly for $299, but those who miss out may find themselves paying inflated prices on resale platforms, such as eBay, where some have fetched upwards of $500. Home Depot has limited purchases to one skeleton per customer, ensuring that demand remains high. Beyond the iconic Skelly, the store has also expanded its lineup of spooky decorations, offering fans a plethora of options for crafting their own frightful displays.
Since Skelly’s viral popularity spread through suburban neighborhoods five years ago, Home Depot has amplified its creepy offerings. This year, shoppers can also find a 6.5-foot variant of the skeleton, priced at $279, as well as a 5-foot animated hearse featuring a skeleton driver. New additions to the collection include a 5-foot pouncing skeleton cat and two skeleton dogs, one measuring 5 feet ($249) and the other an impressive 7 feet tall ($199). This diversification into smaller creatures ensures that customers can curate a spooky scene to suit their yard dimensions or preferences.
For those who desire even more terrifying displays, Home Depot is introducing various giant props, among them two different scarecrows, each towering at 15 feet and costing $399. Other notable items include a 7-foot Frankenstein’s monster priced at $279 and a 7.5-foot jack-o-lantern archway available for $249. The inventory is filled with diverse lawn ornaments designed to elevate any Halloween decorating effort, ensuring that there’s something for every kind of seasonal enthusiast.
The skeleton craze has inspired creative displays, evidenced by a Los Angeles resident, Ali Spagnola, who transformed her own 12-foot skeleton into a glittering homage to disco culture. Spending around $800 and over 70 hours, she covered her skeleton, dubbed “Steve,” in disco ball mirrors, a nod to Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell. While concerns about the reflective surfaces causing fires were allayed—Spagnola assured that the mirrors scatter rather than concentrate light—she still opted to keep Steve somewhat concealed in her backyard. Spagnola noted that her neighbors have embraced her extravagant Halloween spirit, showcasing the fun community aspect of the seasonal festivities.
The Halloween shopping frenzy at Home Depot is about more than mere decorations; it reflects a cultural phenomenon where fans are eager to express their creativity and share their enthusiasm for the spooky season. The allure of Skelly and other animated figures has cultivated a community of decorators who take pride in how their homes are perceived during this festive time. As the countdown to Halloween continues, consumers prepare for one of the store’s most exciting drops, demonstrating how seasonal trends can inspire both unique expressions of personal style and communal engagement.
