Our theme this year is "What’s hot and trendy."
Below is a summary of everywhere we stopped and their suggestions.
You are sure to find many more good gifts and have fun doing it when
you just get out and go into our stores where you will find friendly
merchants and maybe even see a few friends.
On a crisp clear fall day we stopped in a number of local
businesses, grabbed a quick photo and wrote a couple of sentences
about each of them. There is no real order to them; it’s just where
we were at the time.
LINCOLN
Abe’s was on our list. In talking with Larry & Helen,
he mentioned that the Popcorn Tins were still a hot item. Cheese,
Carmel and Plain are still among the top sellers. There is always
something there to grab your eye. Jessica and Larry were very
helpful in getting stuff ready for a picture.
At Sir Rena Tea we met owner Eileen Mullins managing
the front of the house. For her store it was Bubble Tea with 35
varieties of sweet cream tea that she makes fresh daily. She also
carries over 80 different varieties of tea tins.
In a trip to Factory Connection, Shailo Doyle and
Angie Ruff thought that the holey-long-shirt sweat shirts were the
hottie. Those were followed by denim jeans loaded with the bling.
Down the strip mall a little bit, Cricket was next on
the list. There Troy Craine, Aaron Altman and Izzy Sandel said that
phones and accessories were their best sellers.
Alexander Lumber Manager Jason O’Brien and Assistant
Manager Nick Black were talking cabinets and hardware as possible
updates for your home during the holidays. They would also be a good
stop for the person in your life that appreciates power tools.
A stop in a Xamis Ford Lincoln Mercury led LDN to
Matt Xamis and Caitlin Peterson. Of course they offer cars and
trucks but they also have a lot logoed Ford Merchandise. If you have
a car buff on your gift list, check out the huge selection of
apparel, mugs and other gift ideas.
NAPA is your local parts store. Jeff Parker and Dave
Newman said that in addition to automotive and semi parts, they've
see an increase in other areas. Besides tools, another big mover is
fuel additives, deicing and other winter goods.
McQuellons is a place where you can get most of your
appliances. Yolanda Cisnerog and Mike Werschey said that in addition
to sales of refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers, they offer
microwaves and dishwashers. They also offer a repair department.
Stopping at Beans & Such, David Lanterman along with
Mary and Benita pointed out that Whimsies by Lori Mitchell were
flying off the shelves. They also have a selection of gifts, home
décor and gourmet coffees and teas.
Jeanie Xamis at Serendipity shared that she carries a
'Top This' pattern line to make mats, blankies and stockings. She
pointed out that it was very easy and quick, even for beginners. She
mentioned that many people didn’t realize that they also did custom
framing.
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Make it Sew owner Lori Elliott has a very large
selection of quilting fabric to choose from. She has a long-arm
quilting service at the rear of the store and is willing to finish
your quilt with a very unique design or the traditional. If your
sewing machine is broken, drop it off and Lori can get it repaired.
On the corner of Broadway and Kickapoo at Flossies &
Delzenas - Zack, Hayden, Jacey, Hayley and Heather were busy
cleaning up after lunch. Heather shared that chocolate covered
espresso beans were new this year. Her holiday coffees have arrived
and she has a large number of gift ideas as well.
Mary Todd’s Hallmark said that Simply Southern
T-shirts were very popular this year, beyond just the Christmas
themed ones they have several anytime of the year choices. Another
mover for them was Ginger Snap interchangeable jewelry. Julie,
Stephanie and Denise stated that the line of Simply Noelle clothing
and accessories were popular too.
ATLANTA
Central Illinois Ag is located in Atlanta. They have
been in business for several generations. They have the equipment
that our local Farmers need and scale model toys for the young and
for the collectors on your list.
ELKHART
Tweet at Birdsong in Elkhart, her shop offers a
collection of vintage and collectables.
Across the street are two businesses under one roof.
The Wild Hare Café is in with the Horsefeathers. The Wild Hare
offers a variety of soup and sandwiches, all made on site.
Horsefeathers is an eclectic gathering of antiques, lotions and fun
Route 66 things. MOUNT
PULASKI
Doug Johnson and his crew are all decked out for the
Holidays at Johnson True Value in Mount Pulaski. Doug mentioned that
they cover a large range of supplies for a home owner or the DIY
friend on your list.
Downtown on the square is Jules Flower Shop. This is
her first Christmas season and the shop is very festive. She carries
a wide range of products to meet your floral needs. Jules is closed
on Sunday but is available from Monday – Friday 9 – 5 and Saturday
from 9 – 1.
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