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.

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."

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.

It is also worth noting that Spirit Halloween is owned by the same parent company as Spencer's Gifts, which is, you know, your purveyor of lava lamps and gag gifts.