Spoox Bootique
Address: 3453 South State Street
Telephone: 801-867-2777
Website: spooxbootique.com
District: South Salt Lake
“I’ve always loved the thrill of Halloween. And when we couldn’t find what we wanted for our daughter’s first Halloween, we realized there was a need for a year-round spooky shop,” says Landrie Miller, the owner of Spoox Bootique, a unique Halloween-themed store in Salt Lake City that fills the needs of ghoul-inclined patrons throughout the year.
Born into a military family, Landrie spent much of her childhood traveling around the world. “My dad was in the army, so we lived all over the place." When her father retired in 1995, her family relocated to Salt Lake City, where her parents had roots from their time at BYU. “I was fifteen, and I remember being really upset about the move. But over time, I came to love Salt Lake - the diversity, the community. It’s not what it used to be, but it’s really grown.”
Landrie and her husband opened the store in April 2012, born from their passion for the paranormal and a desire to create something special. When they found out they were expecting their daughter, they dreamed of a business that would allow Landrie to be a stay-at-home mom while also providing for their family. The couple had always enjoyed Halloween, hosting backyard haunted houses for neighborhood kids. Their love for spooky things and the arrival of their daughter inspired them to open a Spoox. "I didn't go to college, I didn't learn how to be a business owner, I guess I just kind of learned as I went, but I knew this is what I wanted to do."
Finding a location was not easy, but they stumbled upon an old hair salon that was perfect for their vision. The landlords allowed them to do the remodeling themselves, which made the space affordable and gave them a creative edge. Spoox initially focused on lifestyle items like kitchen goods, home decor, and clothing, all with a spooky twist. As the store gained popularity, local artists began approaching Landrie, and Spoox evolved into a hub for craftsmanship. Today, much of the store’s inventory is made up of unique, locally made pieces, from taxidermy to Ouija boards, jewelry, and art prints. “I feel like our customers love being able to support local artisans. The money stays in the community, and it keeps the inventory fresh and exciting.”
Twice a year, Landrie hosts a local art festival where artists set up booths in the parking lot and people come dressed in costume to celebrate all things spooky. Landrie loves the thrill of finding novel items for the store, often scouring auctions, estate sales, and yard sales to discover unusual treasures. One of her favorite finds? A full human skeleton, which she fondly calls Oscar, now hangs in the shop, offering a fun and educational experience for curious visitors. “It’s mostly the adults who are put off by the human remains,” Landrie laughs, “but the kids are fascinated.”
Running the shop became even more personal after Landrie and her husband separated in 2020. As a single mother, she now faced the everyday challenge of keeping her shop afloat while providing for her daughter. “Spoox is my lifeline,” she shares, her voice filled with emotion. “I rely on this store entirely to support me and my daughter. Especially during the pandemic, when everything was shut down, I was terrified. I didn’t know if I could survive as a small business owner." But then, her regular customers stepped up. They treated Spoox like an essential service and spent their stimulus checks here, even though, as Landrie says, there were probably so many other things they could have used that money for. "I can’t even express how much that meant to me. It’s what kept my doors open.”
Despite these challenges, Landrie’s passion for Spoox is unwavering. “I love what I do, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But I also can’t lie - there are moments when I wonder if I’ll need to get a second job to make ends meet." Landrie said that the summer months are particularly tough. Business slows down when people are off doing activities, and it is a constant worry if she will get through the next few months. "It’s only when fall rolls around that things pick up again, and I can breathe a little easier.”
Through it all, Landrie’s deep appreciation for her customers is clear. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here. Every customer that walks through my door is helping to keep my business alive, and I try to express my gratitude to each and every one of them - whether they’re a regular or someone coming in for the first time. I’m beyond grateful to have this community of supporters.”
As Spoox continues to thrive, the success is not lost on Landrie. She loves the spooky side of life. “It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
