A SEASONAL store is opening 1,500 new locations across the country in the run-up to Halloween.
Spirit Halloween has taken over several spaces that were once owned by its competitors, like Joann Fabrics, Forever 21 and Big Lots.
Spirit Halloween has opened its stores for the season this year[/caption]
Aside from Joann, Forever 21 and Big Lots, Spirit Halloween has also occupied stores that were once owned by brands including Old K-Mart, Circuit City, Party City, Rite Aid, and 99 Cents Only.
Since August, Spirit Halloween has been opening locations “in strip centers and malls across North America,” according to its website.
Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween, teased what shoppers can expect in a June press release.
He said: “With the anticipation for Halloween at an all-time high, we are committed to creating the same immersive experience that keeps our fans coming back year after year.
“The talent and enthusiasm of our associates is the driving force that brings Halloween to life each year, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning faces for another killer season.”
The stores started opening at the end of August.
Spirit Halloween’s stores are typically only open for about 60 to 90 days leading up to Halloween, as was the case last year.
But the company sells merchandise on its website all year round.
Spirit Halloween has a detailed map available online that shows the locations of its stores.
To use the map, shoppers will need to input their ZIP code to find the nearest store to them.
According to the press release, Spirit Halloween is looking for roughly 50,000 seasonal employees.
All store employees receive a 30% discount on Spirit Halloween purchases.
BIG LOTS LOCATIONS
Many of the brands that Spirit Halloween took over locations from have been unable to claw themselves out of bankruptcy.
Joann Fabrics is now permanently out of business, and Rite Aid is set to close over 1,000 stores.
BRANDS HARD HIT BY BANKRUPTCIES
Many chains have struggled to adapt to a post-Covid retail landscape, with several companies filing for bankruptcy
JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts announced it would close all 800 stores after filing for bankruptcy twice in a year.
Hooters announced plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February.
Liberated Brands announced that it would be closing all 122 retail locations for its boardsport fashion brands Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom.
Forever 21 shut down its headquarters after filing for bankruptcy and laying off 358 employees.
Macy’s announced major restructuring plans amid mass store closures.
But Big Lots has been able to mount a comeback through a deal with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners.
The Gordon Brothers-owned Variety Wholesalers has reopened 219 Big Lots stores across the country and two distribution centers.
These stores have opened in states such as Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania and Mississippi.
The final reopening wave was completed at the start of June, and came with several pictures on social media of employees excited to get back to work.
Another retailer, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, took over 18 Big Lots locations earlier this year.
Before that, Ollie’s snapped up 40 Big Lots stores at auction.
CEO Eric van der Valk announced in a company statement that the new stores are off to a “very strong start”.
Spirit Halloween’s stores are typically only open for about 60 to 90 days leading up to Halloween, as was the case last year[/caption]
