Welcome back to the blog, Homespun Shoppers!
Time flies when you’re stuck inside – the holidays are almost here. As a local business, the holidays are our favorite time of year! Nothing makes us happier than helping our community spread love; like when we help a customer find the perfect gift for a loved one. While gatherings and holiday prep may look a bit different this year, there is so much magic to be made this holiday season.
We want our community to know above all; we hear you and we’re here for you. Hesitations about crowds, anxiety around holiday planning and social distancing are all valid and we want to meet you wherever you are by keeping our store clean and sanitized, practicing social distancing, and offering alternatives to in store shopping such as online ordering, curb side pickup, and call in ordering.
Shop Early, Shop Local
Our first and best tip is to get your holiday shopping done EARLY this year. Beat the holiday crowds and last minute gift giving anxiety! This allows you to take the stress out of the actual holiday season and enjoy yourself this season. Who hasn’t had to skip family hot cocoa time to sneak in last minute shopping days before Christmas? We typically suggest knocking out holiday shopping in early November in order to spend your holiday season making memories that don’t involve a check out line. This will particularly come in handy this year, and we’re suggesting shopping earlier than ever. The earlier you can get out to holiday shop, the less crowds you will run into and the better chance you have at scoring the best finds.
If you are interested in an added precaution, we are happy to accept Holiday Shopping Appointments prior to opening or after closing hours. To set up a private shopping appointment, please call the store at 317.351.0280!
Shop in Your PJs
Work, school, socializing, and even grocery shopping is being done online more than ever. Why not take the same practice with your holiday shopping list? We are working to keep our online store up-to-date for all of your shopping needs. Go ahead and wear your pjs, we’ll never know the difference. HAPPY SHOPPING!
In-Store Practices
We will continue to practice social distancing in store. We have marked spots on the floor indicating your distance from other shoppers, as well as clear barriers at the registers. Our staff will continue to wear face masks and require our guests to do the same before entering the store. We have hand sanitizer and extra masks available by the front door. We also have handmade face masks for sale in store and online in a variety of designs, including kids sizes! We will be participating in holiday shopping events in November, and are working to create heated outdoor spaces for you to wait in, and we will continue these practices even with ongoing Mass Ave events.
Alternative Shopping
Still not feeling up for in person shopping? Not a worry! In addition to our online store, you can now purchase select products through Instagram. You can shop our online store from the comfort (and warmth) of your home. We’re happy to offer call in orders and curbside pickup as well; simply call the store and one of us will select and bag your items for you, take a contactless payment over the phone, and you’ll have the option to pick up your items by our front door or have a team member hand them off to you! Working around COVID has only made our team more creative in getting our products to you safely and responsibly (we’re still a lot of fun, don’t worry.) We’re thrilled to be open for extended holiday hours, and to have you in store, but want you to know you have options to fit your schedules and needs!
November Events (but distance-y)
For those wondering, YES some of your Mass Ave holiday traditions are still happening. We will be socially and spatially aware of crowds and gathering, as we plan on participating in Midnight Shopper Nov. 20, and Small Business Saturday Nov. 28.
Midnight Shopper, a beloved Mass Ave tradition, will take place Nov. 20 from 6 pm to midnight. You can join your favorite Mass Ave shops and restaurants for this once-a-year shopping and entertainment experience. We’re excited to join our neighbors in the fun!
It wouldn’t be November without our favorite day of the year, SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, Nov. 28. This year you can support by shopping with us and our over 300 makers in store AND online. Show some love for your favorite locally-owned businesses and restaurants by shopping small.
We are so excited to be your go-to for holiday shopping in store and online, and look forward to spending the holidays with you! Stay tuned on our social media and blog as we take you #HomeWithHomespun, tease new holiday releases, post upcoming events and more. You can also stay in touch with us by joining our mailing list!
Happy Holidays,
Homespun
