Shop Small gets big response

A little wet weather didn’t stop people from visiting shops around Jasper County for Small Business Saturday. From Van Haalen’s Emporium in Prairie City to the vintage and antique shops in Colfax and the variety of home decor locations in Newton, shoppers were finding treasures at Shop Small.

“It is good, busy,” Van Haalen’s Emporium owner Cindy Kane said.

Those who ventured in to the boutique shop were treated to a free ornament craft of their choice. With a variety of sayings and shapes to pick from, anyone could go home with a holiday-themed gift for a friend or themselves.

Heading north, the shops in Colfax were filled with those seeking something unique to bring home. Filled with vintage and antique finds, Spring City Vintage and Weathervane Vintage kept shoppers busy searching through shelf after shelf of one-of-a kind pieces.

“We’ve had a line checking out the whole morning,” Spring City Vintage owner Julia Kern said. “We gave out the Colfax Bucks that Colfax Main Street provides to the first 20 people who spent $20. I also have evergreen bundles I am selling for Colfax Main Street. All of the funds from that go toward the flower pot decorations.”

Robert Langloss of Weathervane Vintage next door was also busy as people moved throughout his shop all day. With a joyful “Merry Christmas” he welcomed people into the shop to see all of the bits and bobbles shining with holiday cheer.

“It is really busy,” Langloss said. “It is kind of crazy today, there’s people everywhere.”

Weathervane Vintage is expanding its hours throughout the holiday season, open each Saturday until Christmas.

Down the road in the county seat, you could almost feel the holiday spirit in the air as people bundled in their hats and scarves moved from shop to shop in downtown Newton. Fresh off of the courthouse lighting the night before, businesses were bustling with customers looking to find the perfect piece for their holiday decorating or special gift for someone they love.

“We have been so busy. We were crazy yesterday, too. It is amazing, people are so great,” Fine Things owner Julia Prendergast said. “Christmas is just around the corner, so people are like ‘Let’s go!’”

Taking part in the Newton Main Street promotion, she said it is great to give customers the “cash back” after they make a purchase in her store.

“We love it because they come back and see us,” Prendergast said.

Vicki Wade at Olive ‘et Boutique was also excited about the turnout during the traditional shopping weekend. She offered specials in her clothes and accessories shop which helped drive in traffic early and keep people stopping by throughout the day.

“It helps having good specials,” Wade said. “I walked in the door at 10 a.m., put my coat in the back and I heard someone and here were people coming in ready for the boots because they were on special.”

From Silverado Jewelry, Relics and Mattingly’s to The Farmer’s Wife and neighbor Esther and Co., downtown Newton has a variety of unique gift options for the holiday season. Whether in Prairie City, Colfax, Newton or any other Jasper County town, by shopping small you’re helping your friends and neighbors make the communities the best they can be and getting something special along the way.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com