Spirit Halloween Gears Up to Open Stores and Hire 50,000 in Florida

Spirit Halloween Gears Up to Open Stores and Hire 50,000 in Florida

As Halloween approaches, the festive atmosphere is rising with the opening of Spirit Halloween stores across Florida. This fall, the company is set to open over 1,500 locations nationwide, tapping into the spooky spirit that thrives among consumers as soon as the summer sun begins to wane. Specifically, residents in Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, and Vero Beach can look forward to new stores, each offering plenty of costumes, decorations, and all things eerie for the upcoming holiday.

In Jensen Beach, the former Party City location at 4189 N.W. Federal Highway will welcome shoppers with operating hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, moving slightly earlier on Wednesdays through Fridays to close at 7 p.m. The store will also be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Over in Port St. Lucie, a new store will fill the old American Freight spot at 7121 U.S. 1, while Vero Beach’s former Badcock Furniture location at 1610 U.S. 1 will be transforming into a Halloween haven.

Employment Opportunities

With such a massive expansion, Spirit Halloween is on the lookout for fresh faces to join their ranks. This year, the retailer plans to hire about 50,000 seasonal employees, a significant jump from the previous year’s 40,000. CEO Steven Silverstein emphasizes that associates play a crucial role in crafting an immersive Halloween experience for shoppers. Interested candidates can apply online or text “Reaper” to 85000 to throw their hats into the ring, with perks including competitive salaries, flexible scheduling, and a generous 30% discount on merchandise.

It’s worth noting that despite the current challenges faced by many retail businesses, Spirit Halloween seems to be thriving. The company has not only survived the so-called retail apocalypse but has also proliferated, doubling its physical footprint since 2009. This is all while many other retailers have felt the sting of closures, as corporate bankruptcies in the U.S. soared to the highest levels since 2010.

Adapting to Changes in Retail

Spirit Halloween’s ability to secure prime retail real estate stems from its unique business model, which allows for flexibility and minimized overhead costs. Often, they occupy vacant storefronts left behind by shuttered businesses, making them an attractive option for landlords looking to fill empty spaces. The company’s dedicated real estate team engages with about 450 landlords per region each year, ensuring a vibrant presence for Halloween lovers and a boost for both the local economy and community spirit.

What’s remarkable is that Halloween retail sales reached an estimated $12.2 billion last year, demonstrating a resilient market eager for holiday shopping well ahead of October. Interestingly, Spirit has even explored venturing into the winter season by launching Spirit Christmas stores, showing their willingness to innovate in a changing retail environment.

As the days grow shorter and the nights darker, the excitement for Halloween builds. The opening of Spirit Halloween stores across Florida not only brings the fun of the holiday to local communities but also offers employment opportunities and keeps the spirit of retail alive, even in turbulent times. With all the costumes and decorations on the horizon, it seems there’s a treat waiting around every corner.