In October, Spirit Halloween, owned by Spencer Gifts and known as the go-to spot for Halloween decorations and costumes, confirmed to ABC News the launch of its new Spirit Christmas stores concept.

But there's one burning question: where does all this merchandise go when Halloween is officially over? "We sell 'em next year," Balles tells PEOPLE, pointing to the Barbie costumes hanging on the shelf, which were still popular this year. "We have distribution centers and partners that manage the whole process."

Spirit Halloween stores begin to open toward the end of the summer, according to their website, which explains that opening dates won't be official until August 1.

The retailer makes use of vacant retail space. The stores typically operate for 60 to 90 days, opening sometime in early to mid-August and usually closing two or three days after Halloween.