4 Beach Gifts & Goodies. Note, the holiday "Gift Bag" (as in, it holds your gifts) features a tree graphic that lights up. And the llama poking its head out is a gift stocking, a cozy one at that!
Every link in this classic link bracelet from MAHRI is hand forged in sterling silver and 14k gold fill by second-generation owner, Aimee Bode Konevich, who continues her mother’s artistic legacy. Prices may vary based on material and size.
THIS WEEKEND marks the official start of the holiday shopping season, as Christmas By The Sea kicks off Friday with the annual evening Holiday Stroll and local businesses have turned out to create a festive, sparkling winter holiday.
This year the “holiday” season is really about two things. One, a longer eye to celebrate, to shop and to get out there. Care is being taken by everyone—town officials, businesses, health officials—to be smart about distancing and crowding. The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has extended Christmas By The Sea from one weekend to ten days, featuring not only the holiday stroll but carolers, Santa’s ride from the Fire Station, the Manchester Historical Museum Open House and the illumination of the First Parish Congregational Church.
So, the holiday will be different, but retailers are hoping it will feel the same. At least when it comes to feeling festive, shopping local and keeping it all about the community.
“We know it’s just been such a challenging year for everyone,” said Elizabeth Swanson, one of the four owners of 4 Beach Gifts & Goodies. “But those challenges have also shown people that what’s important is right next to you. Your family. Your friends and neighbors. Your community and your downtown.”
The Manchester Merchants Group already has a strong, collaborative spirit. Decorations have started going up, with retail windows offering sparkling experience for sidewalk strollers. For shops like MAHRI and The Stock Exchange that keep a high window decoration standard, that’s business as usual. But the entire downtown sparkles now, with new street lighting (thanks to Mike Storella and the Chamber) and landlords who have already thrown the switches on building lights that now stretch from Central Street to Beach Street.
The Town of Manchester has done a lot to support local stores this season. Last month, the BOS deployed donation monies into a marketing effort to help all businesses through March, including four $250 enter-to-win MBTS shopping sprees in which all elements are donated, even the prize money. And these efforts will continue for the next three months.
Retailers are planning special experiences or services for customers. Most retailers now offer personal shopping, so it’s worth a call or email to inquire. Many will appointment shop. The jewelry store GLADSTONE, for instance, reserves Sundays for appointment shopping. Cuddlefish offers a similar service.
Even the selling feels close to home. At Madam Had’em on Summer Street, consignment shop owner Cheryl McGuire now features PRIEMLOV, the fashion line by Manchester fashion designer Pavlina Gilson who this year designed a series of outerwear and furry neck wraps with closure tabs from upcycled Gucci handbags. They seem perfectly placed next to the real thing, which is Madam Had’em’s stock and trade. At Cargo Unlimited, owner Evelyn Rijke is featuring a jeweltry line just debuted by her daughter, Olivia Van Buskirk.
“We have a lot to offer here,” said Amy Lage, of Style Snoop on Central Street. “A great group of retailers, and a great community.”
Check out this preview of what downtown retailers are offering this holiday season.
