OXFORD, Ala. — The Oxford Hobby Lobby completed its annual transition from Halloween to Christmas inventory on Wednesday, marking the official end of the seasonal merchandise cycle that began in late July with the arrival of the first decorative skulls.

The transition, which involved relocating or marking down approximately 4,200 square feet of Halloween-themed merchandise and replacing it with Christmas inventory, was completed in a single overnight shift. By 9 a.m. Thursday, the Christmas village figurines were fully stocked. A single foam skeleton remained on an endcap marked 75% off.

"We do this every year," said a Hobby Lobby employee, who was rearranging garland and declined to give her name. "People act surprised every year."

Halloween merchandise had been available in the Oxford Hobby Lobby since July 31, a span of 76 days. Christmas merchandise is expected to remain available through December 31, a span of 77 days. This represents near-parity between the two seasonal offerings, a fact this reporter notes without editorial position.

Mayor Lyle Henley, when told of the transition, said it was "another sign of Oxford's retail vitality."

He was asked if he considered the removal of Halloween merchandise to be civic progress.

"I consider it seasonal," he said.

Dorothy Finch, director of Main Street Anniston, said the swift transition demonstrated the kind of entrepreneurial energy the region had been working to cultivate.

"Retailers respond to demand," she said. "The demand for Christmas is strong."

The Hobby Lobby also carries year-round fabric, framing supplies, and a selection of artificial plants. These did not change.