Overview

• Spirit Christmas says it is nearly quadrupling last year’s test with about 30 locations across the Northeast and Great Lakes, spanning 13 states.
• Connecticut stores are planned at former Joann’s sites at 1440 Pleasant Valley Road in Manchester and 1405 Boston Post Road in Milford.
• Shops will carry holiday décor, apparel, inflatables, gifts and stocking stuffers and debut a Peppermint Village with interactive displays and a letter-to-Santa feature.
• Photos with Santa will be provided by Cherry Hill Programs, with sessions starting November 21 at select locations and published weekend hours, and some sites already accepting online bookings.
• Most stores are expected to open in early November with a few in late October, and some will convert from Spirit Halloween spaces after November 2 under Spencer Gifts’ seasonal retail strategy.