LAKEWOOD, Ohio — The holidays bring bright lights, fun decorations and, of course, the shopping. This year, though, the craving of the holiday spirit runs much deeper.
"I believe COVID has a lot to do with why sales are up. People just need a reason to feel good and to celebrate," Marji Hauck, owner of White Magnolia Boutique in Chagrin Falls said.
Marji and other local shop owners are seeing a major upswing in holiday items; especially those with meaning.
"A lot of people are buying a lot more ornaments this year, ornaments that have a significance in their lives," Marji said.
Maureen Koopman is in the middle of her 5th season at Home for the Holidays pop up shop in Lakewood. She says it's always busy in December, but this year, people are showing up like never before.
"I literally say I am mind blown every week at the support that we're getting from the community. We have had our vendors restocked pretty much every week since we opened," Maureen said. "We like to say here that this is feel-good shopping. When you choose something that makes you think of someone, and give it to them, and it spreads joy to them, it makes everyone feel good."
The need for joy right now stretches beyond retail. We spoke with one local holiday lights installer who didn't even want his business mentioned because he simply can't keep up with requests.
But, whatever the reason for this holiday sales explosion, it's connecting us during a time when so many of us need it most.
"I think that we all need that so much this year because there's obviously so much weight, heavy stuff going on and to lighten it with a nice gift or even just a card is so, so much appreciated this season this year," Maureen said.
For more information on Home for the Holidays, click HERE.
For more information on White Magnolia, click HERE.