MONROE - The Christmas season kicked off Saturday on the Square, with shoppers looking for that special gift and enjoying the sounds of the holidays.
Stores around the Square, and some just off the Square, took part in a Holiday Open House throughout the weekend. Stores provides discounts and snacks for customers who wanted to get an early start on gift-buying.
Christmas trees were prominently displayed at the Green Door to provide the sights of the holidays. In addition, Madrigal singers visited the downtown to serenade people with the sounds of Christmas to add an extra holiday flavor to the event.
Barb Gelbach, owner of das Baumhaus, said people were in the Christmas spirit when they came into her store. Shoppers exchanged pleasantries with each other and the clerks as they looked at the unique items found only in the stores around the Square.
"We've had lots of people come in today," Gelbach said. "This gives all of the businesses a lot of exposure."
Sue Sacker, who works at das Baumhaus, said shoppers bought "just about anything." No one thing at the store was more popular than anything else.
The same held true at Kidz Kloset, owner Angie Zimmerman said.
"We've sold lots of puzzles and toys and clothing," she said.
Zimmerman said she was happy with the weekend holiday shopping.
"I've seen things pick up since the election," she said.
Like all business owners, she hopes the trend continues.
Shoppers also were able to take advantage of $2,500 in gift certificates offered by businesses that took part in the weekend sales, Gelbach said. People had to have eight stores stamp a card and then submit their names, addresses and phone numbers to be eligible for three prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500.
Stores around the Square, and some just off the Square, took part in a Holiday Open House throughout the weekend. Stores provides discounts and snacks for customers who wanted to get an early start on gift-buying.
Christmas trees were prominently displayed at the Green Door to provide the sights of the holidays. In addition, Madrigal singers visited the downtown to serenade people with the sounds of Christmas to add an extra holiday flavor to the event.
Barb Gelbach, owner of das Baumhaus, said people were in the Christmas spirit when they came into her store. Shoppers exchanged pleasantries with each other and the clerks as they looked at the unique items found only in the stores around the Square.
"We've had lots of people come in today," Gelbach said. "This gives all of the businesses a lot of exposure."
Sue Sacker, who works at das Baumhaus, said shoppers bought "just about anything." No one thing at the store was more popular than anything else.
The same held true at Kidz Kloset, owner Angie Zimmerman said.
"We've sold lots of puzzles and toys and clothing," she said.
Zimmerman said she was happy with the weekend holiday shopping.
"I've seen things pick up since the election," she said.
Like all business owners, she hopes the trend continues.
Shoppers also were able to take advantage of $2,500 in gift certificates offered by businesses that took part in the weekend sales, Gelbach said. People had to have eight stores stamp a card and then submit their names, addresses and phone numbers to be eligible for three prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500.