Popular Halloween Retailer Cancels Grand Opening Event In NJ: Here's Why

EGG HARBOR TWP., NJ — The flagship Spirit Halloween store in Egg Harbor Township will not hold a special grand opening event for the upcoming season in 2025.

"Unfortunately, international disruptions and supply chain challenges have thrown a wrench in our opening plans," the national seasonal retailer shared in a social media update. "As a result, we are forced to cancel the Egg Harbor Township grand opening event - but we intend to bring the event back next year."

Normally, Spirit Halloween hosts a grand opening for their flagship location at the end of July or early August. Thousands of Halloween super-fans come to the area to celebrate, even camping out and lining up early to get first dibs on the spooky season's newest merchandise.

Festivities usually include swag bags for guests, carnival games, food and drink and more.

However, the company is still on track to open 1,500 stores beginning in mid-August, the update reads.

The Mt. Laurel-based Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) previously warned that tariffs could "wipe out Halloween and severely disrupt Christmas."

Proposed tariffs on China are on a 90-day pause as of May 14; the HCA said that their industry is overly reliant on Chinese imports.

"This is an existential moment for our industry," said Robert Berman, HCA Board Member and President of Rasta Imposta/Imposta Costumes, a leading U.S. costume manufacturer. "Halloween isn't like other holidays. If products don't land on time or become too expensive for families, Halloween simply doesn’t happen. There is no backup plan."

Spirit Halloween said the company is "still very much alive."

"The engines are on, and we're full speed ahead," Spirit Halloween said. "Stay tuned, the best is yet to come."