This holiday shopping season is looking a lot different than the last, especially for some local business owners.Some Valley Junction shop owners told KCCI they believe the pandemic has people focusing on supporting local shops. It’s why they feel they have seen a lot more people this holiday season and in the months leading up to December. Wednesday was a prime example of how busy it was in Valley Junction. It was hard to find an empty parking space, foot traffic was heavy, and peoples’ hands were filled with Christmas gifts. “It just feels a lot different when you shop locally,” said Immaculata Reineke, who lives in Des Moines. “You get an experience where you just feel like it’s kind of a one of a kind.”This year, however, it’s not just that one-of-a-kind feeling bringing shoppers to Valley Junction. It’s the need to help the community.”We considered going to target,” said Elyse Brimeyer, who spent some of Wednesday afternoon at Valley Junction. “But people who actually need money in their pockets are these small business owners.” This holiday season, business owners in Valley Junction say Iowans delivered. “In 25 years, this is probably our best,” said Sara Davis, one of the co-owners of sisters. Davis owns the shop with her sister, Greta. This year is their most successful holiday season yet and Davis says everything is falling into place. “We did not have the supply chain issues that a lot of people had, so we’ve been pretty well stocked,” explained Davis. Just down the street, the Sassy’s boutique team is seeing their most successful holiday season in their five years. Employees believe two factors are leading to what they’re seeing this year. “People haven’t shopped for a year because of the shutdown and the loyalty to small businesses,” said Deb Bengston, an employee at Sassy’s.
This holiday shopping season is looking a lot different than the last, especially for some local business owners.
Some Valley Junction shop owners told KCCI they believe the pandemic has people focusing on supporting local shops. It’s why they feel they have seen a lot more people this holiday season and in the months leading up to December.
Wednesday was a prime example of how busy it was in Valley Junction. It was hard to find an empty parking space, foot traffic was heavy, and peoples’ hands were filled with Christmas gifts.
“It just feels a lot different when you shop locally,” said Immaculata Reineke, who lives in Des Moines. “You get an experience where you just feel like it’s kind of a one of a kind.”
This year, however, it’s not just that one-of-a-kind feeling bringing shoppers to Valley Junction.
It’s the need to help the community.
“We considered going to target,” said Elyse Brimeyer, who spent some of Wednesday afternoon at Valley Junction. “But people who actually need money in their pockets…
Read More: Holiday shoppers flock to Valley Junction to support local business owners