EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Spirit Halloween has scrapped plans for its 2025 flagship store opening in Egg Harbor Township, citing “international disruptions and supply chain challenges” as the reason behind the cancellation.
The specialty retailer made the announcement Wednesday in a social media post, stating that the unforeseen issues have “thrown a wrench” in the company’s plans. The grand opening at Harbor Square Plaza typically serves as the nationwide launch for the Halloween season and draws thousands of attendees.
“We will begin opening stores in mid-August for another killer season,” the company said, emphasizing that the decision impacts only the Egg Harbor location and not its broader retail rollout.
Despite the cancellation, Spirit Halloween confirmed that more than 1,500 temporary locations are still set to open across the U.S. and Canada this year. In 2024, the company operated a record-breaking 1,525 stores for the season.
The Egg Harbor Township location, which functions as both a flagship store and the symbolic kickoff of the Halloween season, is now expected to return in 2026.
Tariff uncertainty looms over holiday retail sector
The announcement comes as the retail industry prepares for potential fallout from new U.S. tariffs on imported goods, which are scheduled to take effect July 9. The 10% tariff, part of the Trump administration’s trade strategy, could heavily affect seasonal merchandise.
Although the U.S. and China reached a temporary 90-day agreement on May 14 to reduce tariffs, industry analysts say the looming changes could disrupt supply chains for Halloween and Christmas inventory. Under the deal, U.S. tariffs will decrease from 145% to 30%, while China’s retaliatory measures will fall from 125% to 10%.
Retailers nationwide are bracing for cost increases, delayed shipments, and inventory shortfalls if trade conditions deteriorate further ahead of the holiday season.
Spirit Halloween did not address the tariff situation directly, and a spokesperson declined further comment to NJBIZ on the impact for the 2025 season.
The Egg Harbor store cancellation is the first major disruption to Spirit Halloween’s flagship opening since the company began its annual kickoff events.
