These decorations are hard to overlook this season, especially since they stand at an impressive 12 feet tall.

Skelly, as the oversized Halloween skeleton decoration is affectionately called, has captivated neighborhoods since it was introduced at Home Depot in 2020. Its enduring appeal has only increased over time.

The ongoing success of the skeleton surprised its developers.

“We didn’t expect such demand. Initially, Skelly was only supposed to be a seasonal item for a year or two,” stated Lance Allen, Home Depot’s senior holiday merchandise manager, in an interview with YSL News. He and his team were instrumental in bringing Skelly to life for the retailer. “Each season, we review his performance. He has returned for five seasons now and sold out every year.”

Skeletons of enjoyment

Allen has always enjoyed the holiday spirit. He fondly remembers visiting haunted houses as a child, and takes delight in observing how customers utilize Skelly in their decorations.

“People are really stepping up their game with these giant yard decorations, fully crafting scenes for friends and family,” Allen noted.

Jenn Cordasco, a 44-year-old resident of Brick, New Jersey, shared that her family collaborates to design themed displays each year, making it a cherished family tradition.

In her neighborhood, many homes go all-out for Halloween, featuring interactive decorations, themed yards, spooky setups, and even communal snack areas and block parties on Halloween, making it difficult for her family to resist joining the fun.

“We started out small,” Cordasco mentioned. She purchased Skelly a few years back after spotting it at Home Depot, as it has been quite a coveted item.

Cordasco’s daughter, 10-year-old Melanie Whitney, who “loves anything spooky,” decided this year’s decoration theme would be skeletons and has been actively involved in planning. They have even given Skelly the new title of Ozzy Osbones.

For Cordasco’s family, organizing the Halloween display with Skelly is a treasured experience.

“All of Melanie’s friends, family members, and coworkers come here. Our home becomes the go-to spot for trick-or-treating on our street,” Cordasco explained.

The excitement kicks in at the beginning of October, as passersby admire their yard decorations. “It’s something we look forward to the entire year,” she added.

Ali Spagnola, a 39-year-old artist and YouTuber from Los Angeles, was also motivated by Skelly’s widespread appeal. She named her giant skeleton “Steve” and transformed it into a massive disco ball after noticing its trendiness.

“It was incredibly popular,” Spagnola reflected, noting, “But I wanted to add my unique touch.”

She dedicated around 70 hours to paint her skeleton and apply disco tiles all over it, sharing the entire creative journey on her YouTube channel, even taking it for a drive around town.

The story behind Skelly

Allen and his team at Home Depot aimed to create something truly unique, differentiating from the numerous similar products available at other retailers for Halloween.

The team drew inspiration from visits to haunted attractions, movies, and trade fairs. While these events often showcased large props, their high prices made them inaccessible for the average consumer.

The team sought to produce a monumental item that could be sold at Home Depot without breaking the bank.

But what shape would it take?

“Everyone loves skeletons,” Allen remarked.

They initially planned for a height of ten feet but decided to aim for a more impressive size.

Ultimately, they decided on 12 feet, aiming for a size that would allow the skeleton to tower above a basketball hoop, which stands at 10 feet high. “That concept drove our design,” Allen explained.

Home Depot maintained the 12-foot height for a couple of reasons: it allows for transport in standard vehicles and keeps the price reasonable. The original Skelly model remains at its launch price of $299, despite the additions to the line, which now includes accessories and even a pet dog for Skelly this year.

According to Allen, Skelly has emerged as a “cultural phenomenon,” inspiring people not only to craft elaborate Halloween displays but also to incorporate the skeleton into decorations for other holidays throughout the year.

“When it was released, people began putting him up as early as September,” Allen said.

However, “people are now leaving him displayed and creating all sorts of characters with him. I’ve spotted Skelly Pilgrims, Santa Claus, and even a Skelly Cupid. If you can imagine it, someone has likely decorated with Skelly in that form.”

Allen mentioned it’s fascinating to see the creativity people come up with, and he and his team are eager to see what’s next.

“It’s truly delightful to witness everyone enjoying the celebrations,” he remarked.