There’s a reason these stores move around so often. | Photo by JeepersMedia
Do you remember the Furniture Row at the Arboretum? What about Forever 21 at Barton Creek Square Mall? Those retail spaces have something in common — they’re currently dressed up as Spirit Halloween stores.
The seasonal chain has converted eight vacant retail spaces in the Austin metro area into Spirit Halloween stores.
Spirits’ lore
Let’s pull the mask off and learn more. Spirit Halloween finds temporary leases and moves into retail spaces that would otherwise be vacant. This is why there are so many — to the point it’s become a meme — and they might be in different locations next year. The chain is owned by Spencer Gifts LLC, aka that quirky novelty store from the mall.
Local shops
Prefer to shop local? There are many stores with a scary selection of new and pre-owned clothing that can help you create a Halloween costume (or dress you up any day of the year). We recommend:
Consider this your sign to call in the pros to help keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. | Photo provided by Good Guys Tree Service
If you’ve been staring at that one overgrown branch thinking, “Eh, it’ll be fine” — same.
But a new season is a great time to check a few things off the home maintenance list. Enter: Austin’s top-rated, licensed, and insured tree company, Good Guys Tree Service.
Cedar Park is poised to get its first Trader Joe’s store soon. Documents filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation detail that construction could begin in January and wrap up in October 2027 inside a mixed-use development. (Austin Business Journal)
Eat
The folks at Luck Presents — aka Willie Nelson’s event collective — will debut a new event as part of Surreal Luck next month: Spaghetti Western. L’Oca d’Oro Chef Fiore Tedesco will serve a nine-course meal of Italian-Texan food, plus folks will be able to enjoy live music + neon displays. Grab tickets.
Development
Yes, we have a suite life. An upscale new hotel and residence hybrid called The Code will open in the Zilker area this December. The building will have 178 fully furnished units available for purchase (starting at $419,000 for a studio) or for rental — sales contracts begin on Monday, Nov. 3.
Try This
Retro gaming facility Pins Mechanical Co. will host Austinites for free flash tattoos from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. Folks who get one of the four flash designs by Randy Solis and Justin James from Good Morning Tattoowill also earn free duckpin bowling for life.
Number
25. That’s how many years of business Blue Genie Art Bazaar will celebrate this holiday season. This year’s market will run from Friday, Nov. 14 to Wednesday, Dec. 24. Psst — you can start shopping early online.
Arts
The City of Georgetown is seeking submissions from local artists for its 2026 Red Poppy Festival poster design now through Saturday, Nov. 15. The winning artist will receive a $500 prize and retain the ownership of their work — enter here.
Sports
George Pickens had a breakout performance in the Cowboys’ last game — is it worthy of a contract extension? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Health
Discover the life-changingHorizon IX hearing aid, praised by audiologists nationwide. It adapts and enhances conversations in real time, prioritizing speech clarity for a distraction-free experience. It’s easy to use and seamlessly fits into your daily routine. Unlock the clarity you’ve been missing with a no-risk trial.*
Biz
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Category
Culture
🥂 It’s time to Cheer Up
The Cheer Up Charlies founders will also stay on board to help lead the brand’s new chapter. | Photo by @nataliecguillot
A Florida hospitality group called Pride Holdings acquired local bar Cheer Up Charlies.
The LGBTQ+ bar and stage had a rocky summer — its owners announced in August that the bar was at risk of closing due to unpaid rent and began fundraising to make up for a “very slow summer.”
Founders Maggie Lea and Tamara Hoover will step down as owners as part of the acquisition, but will stay on board in “leadership positions.”
According to the press release, the deal is part of Pride Holdings’ plans to expand further into Texas in the next two years. Lea also said Cheer Up Charlies could open in more major cities in Texas.
“Being a part of Pride will help us find the long-term stability and provide the financial backing we’ve always dreamed of,” Lea said in the release. “We are thrilled to have found a team like Pride Holdings that aligns with our mission, and we also can’t wait to grow the brand all across Texas.”
The Buy
An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with cleaning solution. It features high frequency technology + multiple settings to remove dirt and grease from your jewelry, glasses, watches, and more — all for under $50.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Everyone who knows me knows my cats are everything to me, so I was really excited to learn that the folks at Purr-fecto Cat Lounge have adopted out 1,300 kitties since opening in late 2022. It’s a great place to visit if you’re fond of felines.
