10-5-2001
How local merchants gear up for the holidays
By Marie Buckner
Merchants in downtown Poulsbo, just like in the rest of Kitsap County have already begun preparing for the upcoming Christmas season. For many merchants here and around the country Christmas sales represent up to 50 percent of their annual business.
   The year-end holiday shopping season is fast approaching and you may be wondering what some of our local merchants are doing to prepare for it. How is it different from the remainder of the year? What will be offered to help ease shoppers into the festive mood?
   The upcoming holiday season is actually the result of months of preparation by local merchants. Some start planning immediately after the year-end, while others wait a few months. Either way, festive times make for shoppers “getting in the mood.”
   For a creative artistry gift crafted by another, turn to Blue Heron Jewelers on Front Street in Poulsbo. Started by Leo Fried, a well-known jewelry artist and former Pike Place Market merchant, Blue Heron has been in Poulsbo for 15 years. Combining his artistic skills with his in-house gemologist’s creativity and know-how results in the design of one-of-a-kind high quality works of art. Blue Heron takes pride in the fact that Deborah Hughes (gemologist) is only one of three gemologists on the entire peninsula.
   In preparation for the holiday season, Blue Heron is a member of the Poulsbo downtown community association BIAA. Plans are made for outdoor lighting and providing a festive atmosphere for all involved.
   Since at least one-half of Blue Heron’s business is custom made/special orders, it is difficult to predict popular holiday items. Customers come in with ideas, and the artists make them reality. Special holiday orders are already being processed and accepted. Using stones which are not “run of the mill,” some even usually not seen, results in jewelry artistry which is sure to please. Standby (from year to year) items include diamond necklaces and earrings.
   Contact Blue Heron at (800) 249-1586 or (360) 779-3322 for more information.
   As part of the recreation industry, Kitsap Sports in Silverdale began preparing for the year-end holiday season in early March, for delivery of items in July. They do 40-45 percent of their sales volume from Nov. 1 to Jan. 10 with 22-33 percent of the year’s volume done in December.
   According to owner Suzie Degarimore, every department is stocked approximately 20 percent above average yearly volume. Popular items during the holiday season are outdoor apparel (ski/water repellent jackets, i.e.), snowboards and skis.
   To increase shopper’s convenience, the store has extended hours for two weeks prior to Christmas and the staff is specially trained on how to make the store more comfortable for customer’s without being pushy.
   Kitsap Sports, for decades a fixture on Callow Avenue in Bremerton, has been at its current location on Silverdale Way and Mhyre Road since 1989 and has the added convenience of providing door front parking for customers.
   The two-story facility carries paintball accessories (known to be popular as a mode of communication between arguing couples!), fishing equipment and running gear among the many other items and is well-known for providing a comfortable relaxing shopping atmosphere.
   Contact Kitsap Sports at (360) 698-4808.
   Jo Ann Fabrics, has its ordering done by the out-of-state corporate office. Located on Silverdale Way in Central Kitsap, the company operates a 30,000 sq. ft. facility which offers a diverse assortment of activities, classes, and purchase items. Even though the purchasing may not be done in-house, it is amply stocked to satisfy the customer’s needs.
   If education is a gift you are interested in for either yourself or someone else — look no further than Jo Ann’s. Known as “Experience the Creativity,” JoAnn’s offers over 300 different classes ranging from different modes of painting to quilting, stamping, scrapbooking, to sewing classes.
   During the holiday season, JoAnn’s own line of Christmas Village ceramic items are very popular. With sales starting in July, these lighted buildings make for quite a festive presentation.
   Popular fabrics during this season include fleece, flannel, and home decorating. Gifts of homemade sleepwear and apparel are very popular.
   With departments of floral arrangements, rubber stamping, stenciling, home decorating — amongst many, many others — if the creative spirit in you is crying for attention...this is the place to be. With extended hours during the holiday season, step inside, grab a cup of coffee and be prepared to lose track of time. Contact JoAnn’s at (360) 692-1300.
   Having its holiday trees up since the first part of September, Springhouse Dolls and Gifts in Port Orchard is already decorated for the festivities. Customers have been shopping early wanting to see what is available both for their own homes and their loved ones’ gifts. Trees in this Victorian Era establishment are decorated with lighted acorns and ornaments reminiscent of slower, more relaxed times.
   Owner Sandy O’Donnell buys in January for the next holiday season. There is very little special ordering since she carries a wide variety of items in stock. Popular perks of shopping here include gift wrapping and free shipping of purchases over $100. For items less than $100, there is a minimal $5 shipping charge.
   Popular items this holiday season, with strong sales even now, are snowman in various decors, and angels. A special line of hand-crafted pottery items from local artist Julie Ueland provide decorative and hand-painted pieces of functional art. Walk around in this two-story enchanting decor and one is sure to find the perfect holiday gift.
   Dept. 56 collections provide year-round enjoyment, and are very popular during the year-end holidays. The innovator of ceramic collectible villages/items, Dept. 56 increase in value yearly and items are retired after a certain amount of time. They make excellent gifts with series involved of Dickens Village, the original Snow Village, North Pole Woods, Christmas in the City, Snow Babies, and this year’s Classic Cars.
   Of special interest is a breakfast on Nov. 3 in the Tea Room for all Dept. 56 owners with a specified collection amount. This collection is uniquely owned by men.
To ease the stress of holiday shopping, you can step out of the retail area of Springhouse Dolls and Gifts into the Victorian Rose Tea Room. Enjoy high tea, breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. To help with the holiday festivities, a Cup of Christmas Tea (Holiday Open House) will be held on December 18 at 3 p.m. Also, three different fun-filled meals with Santa are planned.
   Contact Springhouse Dolls & Gifts at (360) 876-0529 for more information.