Spirit Halloween brings on infection protection experts as it opens 1,400 stores
Spirit Halloween remains “passionate” about Halloween even as questions mount about how it will be celebrated this year amid the pandemic.
The nation's largest specialty Halloween retailer said it has spent months preparing to safely open more than 1,400 locations in strip centers and malls nationwide. To ensure the safety of employees and customers, Spirit Halloween has teamed up with environmental infection protection experts Environmental Infection Prevention (EIP) and Lighthouse Facility Solutions. The company created a science-based model for retail stores built on research, development and successful use in more than 500 hospitals, according to the retailer.
“Together we're bringing a rigorous regimen of disinfection and cleaning standards to all Spirit Halloween stores,” Spirit Halloween stated.
Spirit Halloween stores will start opening this month.
"We are passionate about Halloween and are fully committed to returning with a full fleet of stores because our guests share our passion," said Steven Silverstein, CEO, Spirit Halloween. "Halloween restores hopefulness and provides an outlet for escape. Yes, the world has changed, but there are so many ways to participate and enjoy Halloween. We personally have seen an outpouring of enthusiasm and positive support for our determination to fully open our stores, and we agree, we all need Halloween now more than ever!"
As part of its in-store safety measures, Spirit Halloween will require that all customers and employees wear protective face coverings. It also has placed social distancing markers and hand sanitizer stations at the entry of all stores, installed plastic shields around all registers, and increased disinfecting of high-touch surface areas and employee screenings.
Every store will include these additional safety precautions:
• Capacity limits;
• In-depth associate training on hand hygiene and disinfectant protocols;
• Single-use disposable microfiber wipes to diminish the risk of cross-contamination; and
• Hospital-grade Defender disinfectant, known to kill coronavirus in one minute
"Strict standards and protocols are already in place," said Silverstein. "However, we will remain agile and alter policies as needed based on CDC guidelines as well as state and local directives.”
Celebrating more than 37 years of business, Spirit Halloween offers one-stop shopping for everything Halloween, from costumes to décor and party goods to accessories. The company’s Spirit of Children program focuses on making hospitals less scary for kids and their families. Since its inception in 2007, Spirit of Children has raised more than $65 million for hospitals across the country.