In April 2025, Home Depot did not introduce new Halloween decorations, leading to disappointment and worry among enthusiasts of its 12-foot skeleton and other seasonal items. The lack of the “Halfway to Halloween” event, typically hosted after Easter since 2022, was significant. This event normally highlights “Skelly” and new props available in limited quantities online, acting as a preview for the complete Halloween launch later in the summer.
The 12-foot skeleton, which debuted in 2020, has cultivated a loyal fanbase, making the Halfway to Halloween event highly awaited. Last year’s event saw products selling out within an hour of becoming available. This year’s absence of the sale did not escape notice.
Jennifer Penelope Corcoran, founder of the 12 Ft Skeleton Halloween Club on Facebook, voiced her disappointment. The group, established in 2020, boasts over 64,000 members and has led to several spin-off communities. Corcoran’s groups alert members to restocks with “Code Orange” notifications and eagerly look forward to the Halfway to Halloween events.
The postponement might be attributed to tariffs that have affected manufacturers of plastic goods, including lawn decorations. While Home Depot did not verify tariffs as the reason, an investigation by Mashable indicates that tariffs have influenced the Halloween sector.
Home Depot had intended to host a 2025 Halfway to Halloween event, as mentioned in a March 21 press release. However, the event did not take place. Tyler Pelfrey, Home Depot’s manager of brand communications, explained that the event was meant to be a “surprise and delight moment” for superfans, rather than a central strategy.
Tariffs have been a crucial element for Home Depot, with CEO Ted Decker discussing their effects with President Trump. Nonetheless, Home Depot has pledged to avoid widespread price increases due to tariffs, although individual product pricing and availability may vary.
Skelly will return in 2025, but its pricing remains unpredictable. The Halloween market has expanded considerably, with U.S. consumers spending $11.6 billion on Halloween goods in 2024. However, 2025 might bring changes due to economic hardships and the closure of retailers such as Joann Fabrics and Party City.
Other retailers, including HalloweenCostumes.com and Spirit Halloween, have encountered delays and challenges stemming from tariffs and supply chain complications. Lowe’s conducted a limited Halloween sale but faced backlash over increased prices on its 12-foot Bone Collector animatronic.
Corcoran’s Facebook group has extensively debated tariffs, and she recognizes the difficulties retailers are facing. Despite this, she feels that Home Depot’s consistent pricing has preserved customer loyalty. Corcoran remains in touch with Home Depot and looks forward to future updates regarding the 2025 Halloween release. In the meantime, group members are excited about a new 170-gallon Husky tote designed for Skelly storage.
Corcoran is particularly keen on a new 6.5-foot, app-controlled “Ultra Skelly” that was presented at Home Depot’s Store Managers Meeting. She aims to compensate for not buying Halloween items last year due to personal expenses.