I visited a Halloween store during the pandemic to see what it was like as Americans prepare to spend a projected $8 billion celebrating the holiday

I visited the store on a Tuesday afternoon, unsure how busy it would be because it was still normal working hours.

I was surprised to find that the popup store was nearly the only sign of life in the otherwise empty strip mall.

From the outside, banners and lack of more permanent signs give Spirit a popup, temporary feeling.

Inside, though, it didn’t look very different from any other year.

Markings on the floor told people where to stand to maintain social distancing, but the big warehouse style store means it’s easy to keep your distance.

It’s hard to tell because everyone is standing so far apart, but the checkout line was actually long.

The other main reminder that we’re living in a pandemic were signs all over asking customers not to try on masks.

Fitting rooms were also closed because of the virus.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that the mask you purchase hasn’t been touched by others.

As usual, much of the store was dedicated to timely pop culture costumes and decor, although movie releases have mostly been postponed or moved to streaming this year.

Costumes from Netflix series Stranger Things got their own display.

Costumes from Tiger King, a Netflix series popular early on in the pandemic, were an obvious choice, too.

Karen costumes continue to sell, based on the meme about problematic white women.

Source: Business Insider

Not all the pop culture costumes were especially new, like these jackets from 2019 “The Joker.”

“Ricky and Morty” and the iconic Pickle Rick made an appearance.

Customers could check out an entire wall of decor inspired by the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus.”

Because it’s 2020, of course there are Biden and Trump masks for sale.

An emoji mask is another fitting representation for this year.

After visiting Spirit, Im convinced holiday specialty stores will survive the pandemic better than anyone.