Spirit Halloween is making some changes this year, as the retailer plans to extend its seasonal presence in certain cities beyond Halloween. In a notable shift, Spirit will open 10 Spirit Christmas stores across the Northeast, aiming to tap into the enthusiasm Americans have for holiday decorating. These stores will offer a variety of decorations and inflatables, in addition to gifts. Customers will also have the chance to take photos with Santa in a festive gingerbread-themed setting.
Some locations will begin transitioning to holiday operations even before Halloween concludes. The inaugural Spirit Christmas store is set to open on October 18 in Cape May, New Jersey. Additional locations will be launched in Waterford, Connecticut; Dartmouth, Massachusetts; Erie, Pennsylvania; Bohemia, Albany, and Poughkeepsie in New York; as well as Brick Township, Marlton, and Woodbridge, New Jersey.
While ten Spirit Christmas stores may seem modest compared to the extensive 1,525 Spirit Halloween stores operating this year—providing employment for around 50,000 people—this initiative could potentially serve as a test for a more significant Christmas retail presence in future years.
The decision aligns with retail trends, as Halloween remains a profitable holiday, with the National Retail Federation projecting Americans will spend approximately $11.6 billion this year on costumes, decorations, and other celebratory items. However, this figure pales in comparison to the December holiday season, during which total consumer spending reached $964 billion last year. While a significant portion of that spending goes toward gifts, decorations also play a considerable role. An average American who puts up outdoor decorations tends to spend around $384 on them, and more than half of U.S. households decorate with outdoor lights and various smaller ornaments throughout their homes.