Spirit Halloween Stores Open In Cherry Hill

CHERRY HILL, NJ — With 50 days until Halloween, the ghosts of occupied retail spaces past have returned to South Jersey. Spirit Halloween stores have opened around the region, including two locations in Cherry Hill.

The South Jersey-based chain (it's headquartered in Egg Harbor Township) plans to open 1,500 seasonal locations around the continent by mid-September. Most of them are now open as Spirit Halloween celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Because the Halloween store is a franchise with thousands of independently run locations across the country, there is no official company-wide "opening day." Each fall, the seasonal store brand secures short-term leases at vacant spaces, leasing from mid-July to early November.

Here's where Spirit Halloween has opened so far around the area:

• Cherry Hill: Former Petco (2230 Marlton Pike W)
• Cherry Hill: Former Total Wine (2100 Route 38)*
• Voorhees: Next to Ross (700 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd.)
• Marlton: Former Annie Sez (748 Route 73 S)
• Deptford: Former AC Moore (1120 Hurffville Rd.)

* Total Wine & More is still in the Plaza at Cherry Hill but moved to a larger space earlier this year.

In addition to classic costumes, the store will offer new licensed merchandise from Barbie, Fall Guys, Harry Potter, Universal Monsters, DC Villains, Poppy Playtime, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mars Attacks!, and Wednesday.

Despite Spirit Halloween's temporary nature, CEO Steven Silverstein says Halloween has grown into a season-long celebration, with many enthusiasts showcasing their passion all year long.

"As we open doors for our landmark 40th season this year, we look forward to sharing our biggest season yet," Silverstein said in a statement. "However you celebrate this season, we have everything Halloween fans need, from the classics to the hottest new trends."

Visit Spirit Halloween's website for more details.