FULL STORY:  Spirit Halloween stores pop up in the late summer . . . in abandoned Toys R Us and Bed Bath & Beyond locations . . . and then disappear a couple months later.  But this year, there’s a new twist.

Ten Spirit Halloween locations will switch over to “Spirit Christmas” stores . . . featuring things like holiday inflatables and décor, apparel, stocking stuffers . . .  plus photo-ops with Santa, a “life-sized gingerbread village,” and some “letter-writing to the North Pole.”

The 10 locations are only in the Northeastern U.S. for now, but it’s a test, which can then expand across the country in future years if it works out.

The company says, “Spirit Christmas is a new concept, and we’re hopeful it will resonate with our customers.  Our goal is to create a festive retail experience that captures the spirit of the season, much like we do for Halloween.”

(CNBC / Fast Company)