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 The shops in the heart of the city are all locally
owned and operated and depend a great deal on the holiday season for
the black ink they need at the end of the year.
This year, many were excited by the large attendance of shoppers who
observed Small Business Saturday in Lincoln.
At Small town Creations, Kathie Williams and her helpers were
happily, very nearly overwhelmed by the large numbers of shoppers.
Guests were shopping for gift items, but also they were stocking up
on those special holiday coffee flavors that can be ground while
they waited or taken home in bean form for their own coffee
grinders.
The shop stayed busy all day long as did the other shops in the 100
block of North Kickapoo.
At Debbie’s Downtown Floral, shoppers waited patiently for a turn at
the cash register. They were buying a wide variety of items, for
home décor to tree trimmings or fresh Christmas themed floral
arrangements. Some guest came in to just enjoy the beautiful décor
inside the shop and of course, get in the mood of the holiday season
with live piano music.
Indigo Quilt shop was also busy during the day as shoppers came in
to select materials and patterns for handmade gifts such as quilts
or table covers or even cloth toys and stuffed animals.
Guest House Coffee and Pastries was crowded with people in the
morning hours as shoppers, already tired for the hustling from store
to store took advantage of the popular coffee shop to grab a
beverage, perhaps some with a little “octane” and sugar to boost
their energy so they could get out there once again.
On Broadway Street, the Copper Penny was a great place to shop for
the loved one who loves vintage and antique or rustic or primitive.
From cut glass to stoneware, metal and enamelware, antique toys or
vintage Christmas décor, shoppers were snatching up items they loved
for themselves, or knew that someone else would appreciate finding
under the tree on Christmas morning.
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Also on Broadway, Mary Todd Hallmark was another very popular
stop on Saturday. Shoppers were grabbing up all kinds of items
from this years special Hallmark ornament to cards, jewelry,
purses, clothing, home décor and oh so much more. The attendants
including owner Julie Tarter were as happy as the Christmas
Elves when shoppers found exactly what they were hoping for
right in the heart of the city and at a small, locally owned
business.
Going around the corner onto North Kickapoo Street stops at Sir
Renna Tea and Abe’s Carmelcorn Shoppe were required for the shopper
looking for special gifts for their loved ones or themselves.
While Sir Renna specializes in tea, the shop offers so much more.
Yes, one can buy a variety of loose-leaf teas, can enjoy a freshly
made bubble tea made by the gang in the shop, and shop for tea pots,
steeping tools and much more. But, the store also offers a
tremendous selection of jewelry, decorative glassware, games,
puzzles, books, body lotions and self-care products, and clothing.
If you didn’t make it to visit Sir Renna Tea on Small Business
Saturday, please pay them a visit sometime soon. Owner Eileen
Mullins said the store will be open daily from now until Christmas.
On up the street at Abe’s’ there were many shoppers even later in
the evening. As the 4 p.m. hour passed, owner Helen Rainforth and
her staff were still busy helping shoppers find exactly what they
were looking for. One you lady was heard to say that if she were
just a little younger she would be in “duck heaven” just looking at
all the stuffed toys in the shop. In the meantime, the candy was
holding a lot of appeal for her, and the popcorn was tantalizing as
well.
Earlier in the day, a great place to take a break and let the kids
have a special treat was the Lincoln Arts Institute. All the art in
the gallery is for sale this season and ready for buyers to take
home and wrap up for a special someone to find on Christmas morning
under the tree.
While the grown up had the chance to just sit a spell or do some
shopping, crafts were being offered for the youngsters as well as
face painting and in the second-floor gallery a photo op was being
offered with a Christmas in Candyland backdrop.
Small business Saturday is the beginning of the holiday Shopping
season in Lincoln. Throughout the first portion of December,
shoppers will be getting on the Holiday Express when they shop
local. As such, each time they make a purchase at a participating
business, they will get their ticket stamped. When they have stamps
from ten stores, they may enter a drawing for some fabulous gifts.
The downtown merchants join t9ogether and provide gift cards,
merchandise, and various other gifts to be put into gift baskets. On
Monday, December 19th three names will be drawn from the collection
and those lucky winners will receive one of those three great gift
baskets.
So, if you missed Small Business Saturday, you have not missed out
yet. Please be sure to come to the heart of the city and shop local,
in the end, it could be the best gift you give to our local
merchants, and it could make for a very nice gift for yourself as
well if you are the winner of one of those baskets!
[Nila Smith]
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