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As summer turns into fall, you can always expect a few things to happen - leaves changing colors, pumpkins starting appearing on porches, the weather getting a bit chillier, and Spirit Halloweens opening up across the country. However, it seems like a missed opportunity to just have a store be around for a couple of months a year, and Spirit is aware of that, which is why some locations this year will be staying open longer and in November, will rebrand as Spirit Christmas.
It's not the first time the company has tried this. Back in 1990, founder Joseph Marver stated, "The Christmas stores were just something I had to try since it wasn't difficult to add another two months to our three month lease. So it seemed like a no brainer to extend into Christmas." However, it didn't last. The concept was attempted again in 2005 and 2006, but once again stopped. Now, however, it is making a comeback and will be available at ten locations in the Northeast.
Some Spirit Christmas stores will take over current Spirit Halloween locations, while others will be new. The first one opens on October 18th in Mays Landing, New Jersey, with others following suit next month. New Jersey will have the most locations, with a handful in New York and stores in Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts too.
A spokesperson for the chain told People magazine what to expect from it, stating, "Each store offers a unique shopping experience, brimming with a vast assortment of holiday décor, apparel, inflatables, gifts, and stocking stuffers. Guests can meet Santa for their annual Christmas card photo and receive a free digital postcard featuring you and Santa. Wander through the life-sized gingerbread village, where you can mail your letter to Santa at the North Pole and find out whether you’ve been naughty or nice."
See where the stores will be located and book your time with Santa - which includes the free digital photo - at the Spirit Halloween website.