What were these central Ohio stores before they were Spirit Halloweens?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As October settles upon central Ohio, the vibrant orange banner popping up in strip malls and shopping centers can only mean one thing: Spirit Halloween has moved in.

Spirit Halloween set a new record by opening 1,525 stores this year, according to a company news release. The seasonal storefronts pop up, taking on the skeletons of former retailers and grocery stores before vanishing once more in early November.

Spirit Halloween has nine stores within 50 miles of Columbus...