Spirit Halloween Stores Open Around Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — With 50 days until Halloween, the ghosts of occupied retail spaces past have returned to South Jersey. Spirit Halloween stores have opened throughout the region, including several locations around Gloucester Township.

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 Gloucester Township area:

• Deptford: Former AC Moore (1120 Hurffville Rd.)
• Turnersville: Former Sears (5851 Route 42)
• Woodbury: Former Rite Aid (343 S Broad St.)
• Voorhees: Next to Ross (700 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd.)
• Williamstown: Former Rite Aid (2099 N Black Horse Pike)

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.