Americans’ Love of Oversized Halloween Skeletons Still Going Strong
By Dominick Reuter
Oct 4, 2026, 11:53 AM GMT+2
The original Skelly has amassed a massive following since its launch in 2020. Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images
Retail
Americans' fascination with oversized Halloween skeletons is far from fading. This trend emerged suddenly in 2020 when Home Depot's 12-foot Skelly decoration became an instant hit, boosting the home improvement chain's Halloween sales that year. Today, more than a dozen online communities celebrate this phenomenon, including a Facebook group boasting nearly 300,000 members.
Walmart-owned Sam's Club revealed to Business Insider that their 11-foot Reaper decoration has exceeded expectations since its June release. The Reaper quickly climbed to become one of the chain's top ten best-selling Halloween items, with some warehouse locations even selling out as of Friday.
"Halloween is now a season, just like Christmas," stated Kara Deleon, Senior Director of Seasonal Merchandising at Sam's Club. "It has truly taken on a much bigger persona than ever before."
Online traffic to Sam's Club's Halloween decor page increased by 67% in July compared to the previous year, indicating Americans' growing enthusiasm for the holiday. This trend is reflected in the popularity of jumbo skeletons—and their eerie companions—adorning yards across the United States. Some displays are temporary, lasting mere weeks, while others remain year-round, causing concern within some homeowners' associations.
Phil Michalski, an instructional assistant residing near Philadelphia, owns several oversized skeleton decorations. "Most are up all year round, but this year's weather has taken a toll on them," he shared. "I put Santa suits on some and a Ebenezer Scrooge hat on another."