Spirit Halloween Sets Up Shop In Empty Toms River Stores

TOMS RIVER, NJ ? While most people are still craving time on the beach and enjoying summer, there's good news for Halloween fanatics: Spirit Halloween is opening in two locations in Toms River.

The company, which carries everything from animatronics for your lawn to costumes for kids, adults and even your feline and canine companions, is getting ready to serve customers in the former Rite Aid store on Route 37 near Vaughn Avenue.

Spirit Halloween banners hung on the east and south sides of the building at 1726 Route 37, visible to motorists passing by on Monday morning.

The opening date for the Route 37 location hasn't been announced; the Spirit Halloween website says only "August."

In addition, Spirit Halloween has opened a site on Fischer Boulevard. That store is in the former Pet Valu pet store, next to Manhattan Bagel in the Fischer-Bay ShopRite plaza. That store, at 860 Fischer Blvd., is open for business.

The company leases vacant storefronts for short-term occupancy each year for the Halloween season.