Charlotte’s growing number of empty storefronts and former big box retailers are being resurrected again as Spirit Halloween spreads across the region for spooky season starting today.
For 2026, the seasonal retailer is planning to open more than 1,550 stores across North America.
In Charlotte, confirmed locations include the Northlake Mall, Pineville, Matthews, and 5 other locations across our city, all set to open on September 30th.
The stores sell costumes, masks, decorations, props and the oversized animatronics that have become a Spirit Halloween trademark.
The company is also extending its seasonal takeover beyond Halloween. Its newer Spirit Christmas concept is expanding across the Carolinas for the first time this year. North Carolina’s first confirmed Spirit Christmas will open in Mebane, while South Carolina will get one in Charleston.
Spirit Christmas converts vacant retail space into holiday stores filled with decorations, animated displays and seasonal merchandise. The concept began with a small test in 2024 before growing to 30 locations last year. At least 43 stores are currently listed for 2026.
Spirit recently announced plans to hire a record 50,000 seasonal employees across North America, from sales associates to store managers.
Here in Charlotte, they’ve already posted 32 jobs a full 4 months before Halloween. Anyone interested in joining the invasion can apply at Work4Spirit.com or text “Reaper” to 85000 for more information.
