“By shopping locally, we’re building a stronger, more connected Hornell”: What to know about the holiday shopping scene in the Maple City.
Jill Agusta, of Connors Mercantile, discusses Small Business Saturday
Jill Agusta, store manager of Connors Mercantile in Corning, talks about the importance of Small Business Saturday.
Brian Tinker, owner of Lion’s Will Music Shop at 10 Main St. in Hornell, tries not to have unrealistic expectations when the holiday season rolls around, but he admits “Christmas time crushes.”
Lion’s Will is well positioned to capitalize on the busy gift giving season, with the store’s ample selection of guitars and accessories wrapped and under many trees on Christmas morning.
Lion’s Will has a recording studio, instrument repairs and music lessons, making gift certificates a popular choice for some customers.
Tinker said while business may not quite double during the holiday season, it comes close.
“I’m such a niche shop. I am like a Christmas shop,” Tinker said.
Tinker doesn’t do much decorating for the holidays, but dozens of Hornell-area stores, shops, restaurants, bars and retail outlets are decked out in red and green and offering special deals and expanded inventory, according to Hornell business officials.
Local business involved in travel, entertaining and dining all experience higher demand. And that’s not even mentioning bakeries, which go into overdrive this time of year.
“We as a small business rely on those holidays to push us through the slower times of the year,” said Danielle Blankenship, owner of Sprinkle This Cakery at 50 Park Drive.
“This is what we are in business for, these busy times. We love every aspect of it.”
The time leading up to Thanksgiving is the busiest of the year at Sprinkle This. Sure, pies see a big boom in orders, but custom requests for cheesecake and other desserts are also being filled at a rapid pace.
Christmas is not far behind, with cut-out Christmas cookies popular all through December. The cookies are made from a recipe handed down through the family. They are decorated in-store so they are ready to serve as soon as customers get them home.
The bakery motto for the holidays is “Let us take some stress off your plate.”
“We run seasonal specials for the holidays that are posted on our Facebook page,” Blankenship said. “We are trying to keep the prices of our specials affordable because we know how expensive everything else is for the holidays.”
Small Business Saturday, Hornell for the Holidays create shopping synergy Nov. 30
Not to dismiss Black Friday, but many Hornell businesses get especially geared up for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, a day to celebrate and support small businesses during their busiest period of the year.
The day has extra synergy in the Maple City as it coincides with the “Hornell for the Holidays” parade, Santa’s grand entrance, the appearance of dozens of vendors downtown and the lighting of the city’s 30-foot Christmas tree.
With big crowds expected to gather in the business district, stores and restaurants will be poised to take advantage of the influx.
Consumers who spend locally are not only supporting area businesses, they are making an investment in their hometown, according to business leaders.
“Shop Local Saturday is more than just a day to support small businesses − it’s an opportunity for our community to express gratitude for their constant generosity and dedication,” said Valorie Whitehill, executive director of Hornell Partners for Growth. “Local businesses are often the first to sponsor events, donate gift baskets, and provide certificates for fundraisers, making them essential supporters of community growth and causes that matter to us all.”
The festival gets started at 5 p.m., leaving plenty of time to check store windows and browse for gifts before the music and fun.
“We always do good on that night. There are tons of people out,” Tinker said.
As the season progresses, shoppers can keep track of specials sales deals and Holiday-related business happenings and charitable efforts on the HPG Facebook page and on the Discover Hornell app.
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Buckley: Enhancements ‘set the table’ for strong holiday season, year round growth
Hornell Mayor John Buckley said recent enhancements and investments, including the $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, leave businesses better positioned during the holiday season and the rest of the year.
Buckley called it “table setting” for business and community growth.
“From Union Square Park to Main Street and Broadway, the infrastructure improvements and beautification efforts have helped transform our downtown into a more walkable and pedestrian friendly environment, while providing a warm, welcoming, and inviting atmosphere for shoppers and businesses alike,” Buckley said.
Whitehill said shoppers make an investment in their community when they shop close to home.
“By shopping locally, we’re building a stronger, more connected Hornell,” she said.
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