The southern New Jersey-based seasonal retailer that specializes in Halloween costumes and spooky novelty items has scrapped plans to open a Christmas-themed store in Connecticut.

Spirit Halloween officials said last month they would open a Christmas-themed store in Waterford's Crystal Mall. But a company spokeswoman said Thursday that Spirit officials are no longer planning on having a Connecticut location.

"We have made the difficult decision to adjust the store count from 10 to 8 locations," said Nikki Balles, a Spirit spokeswoman. "We know that this is disappointing to the Waterford community, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience."

Balles did not provide a reason for why the company scaled back on its plans. Four of the eight Spirit Christmas locations, which are scheduled to open later this month, will be in New Jersey.

The retailer will also have single Spirit Christmas store in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Dartmouth, Massachusetts, as well as two in New York state. The Spirit Christmas locations will include holiday décor and merchandise, as well as apparel, inflatables, gifts and stocking stuffers.

The Spirit Halloween location at the Crystal Mall was one of 17 Connecticut locations.

Spirit Halloween is a sister company to Spencer Gifts, the long-time shopping mall retailer that sells items like lava lamps, slogan-emblazoned T-shirts and body piercing jewelry.