Every year October rolls around and the big question, “what are you going to be for Halloween,” rolls around. When it comes to Halloween costumes, fast fashion plays a major role. People want different clothing or accessories cheap for their costumes, and normally after one wear, they throw them away or never wear them again. U.S. customers are estimated to spend over 10 billion dollars on costumes, candies, and decorations.
Spirit Halloween opened in 1993 with 10 Bay Area locations. It has since expanded to over 1,500 stores nationwide and reopens its stores every year as the Halloween season approaches.
The thought process behind the business is simple. They open for about two months and provide a place where people buy all the extra costumes and props that they need. The National Retail Federation estimated that in 2021, the company made $528 million in sales.
With such a large demand, the company is producing an extreme amount of product every year. The game plan of a company like this is temporary sales. The business knows it is not a necessity and does not need to be open all year long.
The term “fast fashion” has begun to be used more in conversations surrounding fashion, sustainability and environmental consciousness. Fast fashion is cheaply produced and priced clothing that usually copies trends. Similar to products from online shops like Shein, they are cheap items that will probably only be used once or twice, then either thrown away or donated. The life span of these items is short but making them still causes environmental issues.
Spirit Halloween follows this fast fashion trend. The business wants to produce costumes and accessories in massive bulk. The pieces that people are buying are made rapidly, with little to no life span. Fast fashion companies like Spirit Halloween are a part of the 10% of total global carbon emissions. This dries up water sources and pollutes rivers, while 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year, according to Earth.org.
There are many other ways to still get a fun costume while not buying from fast fashion websites or Spirit Halloween. First, look at what is already in the closet. Some pretty easy costumes can be put together with items that you already have. Ask a friend if you can borrow something they own. If you are crafty, maybe try to make a few items yourself.
Next, if you need another piece for your outfit, try shopping at a thrift store. Reusing items for different purposes is a great way to help the environment while also creating your dream costume. If you cannot find what you need at either of these, then look to purchase something, but try to make it something you will wear multiple times.
