YEAR-ROUND CHRISTMAS STORES Best-Sellers Where Every Day Is a Holiday

By Sara Karnish

Christmas may only come once a year, but retailers at Christmas shops sell merchandise to surprise and delight customers for the other 364 days. This means having a tremendous amount of inventory options to satisfy customers’ wide-ranging holiday décor and gift giving needs.

“I carry everything they make for Christmas, from high-end to animated to themed ornaments,” said Cori Rice , owner of The Christmas House in McCall, Idaho. “My buyers are people looking for a collectible item. A lot of the people who come into my shop have a tradition of buying an ornament for every member of their family. Some customers seek out my shop, because I literally carry every line and have every type of theme. We live in a mountain resort town, so I sell a lot of themed ornaments—anything having to do with the lake, or moose, or camping. I also sell a lot of McCall, Idaho-type ornaments.”

Themed ornaments are a top seller because of their versatility and timelessness. Retailers in or near tourist destinations say many of their customers stop by to pick up new themed ornaments as a memento of their visit, or to reflect milestones within the family. “Themed ornaments are our best seller year-round, because the themes encompass a variety of things,” said Dustin Kline , owner of Snow and Ice Christmas and Gift Store in Harrisonburg, Va. “It could be snowmen, sports, or whatever tugs at the heartstrings of what’s going on in the family.”

Personalized items are classic gifts full of meaning. Jo Ann Hershberger , owner of ‘Tis the Season in Berlin, Ohio, said, “We have a whole room of ornaments that can be written on. When I think of personalized items, I think people want something that will give them good memories. There have been a lot of people cooped up, they haven’t had a lot to look forward to. [These ornaments] are reminders of good times—it makes them happy.”

Many customers get into the festive holiday atmosphere in a big way. Some decorate every room in their home. Themed gifts and items reflecting the spirit of the season remain popular. Jordan Cummins , manager of Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe in Jim Thorpe, Pa., said, “Our candle line is one of our best-sellers. We sell Milkhouse Candles, which are made from soy and beeswax. People like them because

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