Spirit Halloween — a chain store that sells Halloween costumes, accessories, makeup, and decorations — is facing major backlash for an insensitive costume display that was shown in at least two of its locations.
Many people were appalled that the stores displayed a bullet belt in their school costumes section, and they didn't hold back their disappointment over the "tone-deaf" decision that comes amid the recent school shooting tragedies that have taken place.
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The two store locations that had the display are located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. According to WAVY-TV,
the stores had the bullet belts as part of their prep school-themed displays. The belts were also available for sale on the company's website, but have since been removed, along with the in-store display.
Shoppers expressed their concern with the stores' decision.
"I don’t like it," one person said. "I have three children that go to school, and I just heard about the shooting that just happened. And it’s scary, even though it’s a costume. Regardless, that’s just not [it]. They shouldn’t be making fun of these shootings and guns and stuff. It is a big deal."
Another parent stated, "I know people always say everyone’s so sensitive, but it’s really not, because a lot of children are dying because of the school shootings."
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The company apologized through a statement that the news outlet published. "It was not our intention for this product or its placement in the store to be viewed in any way other than a punk rock accessory," it reads. "We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.”
