Spirit Christmas Expands Again for Third Year

The seasonal Spirit Christmas chain will grow again in its third season. The temporary concept will total 44 locations across 15 states this year; that’s up from 30 last year and eight during its inaugural run.

The stores will open in early November, as most are in spaces occupied by the same company’s seasonal Spirit Halloween stores, which shutter just after that holiday. The stores are generally housed in spaces that have been left vacant by conventional retail chains that have gone out of business.

“The holidays are so much more than what’s under the tree. They’re about the traditions families return to year after year and the magic of creating new ones,” said Kym Sarkos, EVP of Spirit, which is a unit of Spencer Gifts. “Spirit Christmas was created to celebrate that feeling. From decorating your home and trimming the tree to family game nights and white elephant exchanges, we’re proud to offer a holiday destination where guests can discover new favorites and create memories that become part of their own holiday traditions.”

The company behind the concepts runs about 650 Spencer Gift shops and nearly 1600 pop-up Spirit Halloween shops this year.