The holiday shopping season is in full force.
Black Friday rolled into Small Business Saturday, and a number of merchants across Emporia say the overall shopping period is off to a good start.
Emporia Imaginarium co-owner Melanie Curtis says there were a lot of people in her store.
On the west side of town, Waters Hardware Manager Shawn Finney noted an uptick in traffic Friday. He says there is an emphasis on gift ideas.
Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply Manager Lonnie Standiferd says there were good turnouts both Friday and Saturday. He also says the national push towards having a full month of holiday shopping deals, instead of the time starting right after Thanksgiving, is a game-changer when it comes to local planning and advertising.
Emporia Main Street chipped in with its Elf Scavenger Hunt, where 3D-printed elves from the Main Street Fabrication Lab were scattered amongst different downtown businesses. Shoppers finding the elves were eligible for prizes.
Also, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce began its Secret Santa program. People finding the Chamber’s Secret Santas will get $50 in Shop Emporia gift certificates.
Up next on the holiday shopping calendar is Cyber Monday on Dec. 2.
