CHRISTMAS fans are in for a treat this festive season after America’s newest holiday retailer unveiled 30 pop-up locations.
Excited shoppers are already planning road trips, with one vowing to “pack the van to the ceiling” with Xmas goodies.
The retailer has also been on a hiring spree in the States[/caption]
Spirit Christmas is launching dozens of pop-up locations[/caption]
Spirit Christmas has announced the opening of its 2025 season with 30 locations across the Northeast and Great Lakes region.
The pop-ups will nearly quadruple its footprint from last year, according to a statement by Spencer Gifts and Spirit Halloween Superstores.
It added, “Families are invited to explore a winter wonderland of displays, festive décor, and immersive Santa photo experiences as Spirit Christmas celebrates its second season.
“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 personalized video featuring you and Santa.”
The intriguing-sounding Peppermint Village is a new addition this year, offering an “immersive in-store experience and interactive displays designed to spark joy and nostalgia,” it added.
Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Christmas, said, “At Spirit, we believe the magic of the season does not end with Halloween – it transforms.
“Spirit Christmas is an extension of our sensory-rich, interactive holiday experiences.
“From our one-of-a-kind Santa photo experience to an exclusive collection of festive merchandise, we’re thrilled to welcome guests back for another unforgettable season of magic and fun.”
Visitors can make reservations for a paid family photo session.
The pop-up announcement was praised by Retail Dive, which said, “In one year, Spirit Christmas has gone from testing its concept to accelerating its brick-and-mortar presence.
“In October 2024, the company announced that it was piloting 10 locations, with some stores transforming from Spirit Halloween stores to Spirit Christmas locations.”
And one blogger said she was “thrilled to check out the new Spirit Christmas store in Erie, PA, last year.”
Spirit Christmas to open 30 pop-up locations
The festive stores are launching across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions
The Spirit Christmas brand is expanding to offer festive items at 30 locations across 13 states, which will open in the coming weeks.
This year its pop-up stores will welcome shoppers in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Six of the stores will be located in New Jersey alone.
Connecticut will offer two locations: in Milford, at 1405 Boston Post Road and at 1440 Pleasant Valley Road in Manchester, which will feature visits with Santa.
In Ohio, the retailer is transitioning its Spirit Halloween stores to Christmas in early November, in North Canton, and Mentor.
The Pennsylvania sites are located at: 4801 McKnight Rd, Pittsburgh; 4000 Oxford Dr, Bethel Park; 2082 Interchange Blvd, Erie; and 1911 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall.
Source: Spirit Christmas
In her “Hitting the Highway with Hannah” page, the blogger’s review added, “The store features an array of delightful interactive displays that captivated us.”
The mom said her daughter, Hannah, “was particularly enchanted by the moving reindeer and singing Nutcracker, with her favorite being the Santa’s Mailbox.”
Shoppers drop a letter to Santa in the slot, “triggering a sound and light effect to indicate whether they’ve been naughty or nice,” she added.
UGLY SWEATERS AVAILABLE
The traveling duo found an “extensive range of decorative items including nutcrackers, garland, lights, and home goods.
“Additionally, the store boasts an impressive collection of ugly sweaters, socks, and costumes.
“While most decorative items were priced at $29.99 and up, there were a few more affordable options available.
“For Christmas enthusiasts, this store is a must-visit experience.”
ROAD TRIP
Her review sparked hundreds of comments, with many organizing “road trips” with family and friends to the pop-up locations – dubbed “heaven on earth” by a thrilled follower.
A Christmas fan responded, “Excited to see how it does. I hope they do well so that they pop up everywhere next year!”
And one excited shopper told her pal, “It’s in Canton! Bring a U-haul truck!”
Another vowed to embark upon a “road trip in the van – we can pack it to the ceiling.”
One person joked, “There goes my bank account,” while a fellow Christmas fan hoped to “hit the lottery to go shopping here.”
Another keen person told her partner he could “go fishing in Erie while I shop.”
There was disappointment, however, that more locations were not opening for the season, with some urging bosses to open in the likes of Florida.
SPENDING MORE
A November 6-20 survey undertaken by Gallup in 2024 indicated that American consumers planned to spend about $1,012 on Christmas and holiday gifts in 2024, up from $975 in 2023.
Consumer spending accounts for nearly 70% of U.S. economic activity, reported the Associated Press last December.
Economists check how Americans spend their money, particularly during the holidays, to determine how they’re feeling financially.
