BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
November 25, 2020
The Christmas trees have been up for, well weeks now, at Lis’s Pieces Artisan Boutique in downtown New Port Richey.
All told, there are 51 white, green and aqua-colored festive trees on display, some donning an assortment of ornaments and varied creations crafted by local artisans. About two dozen deck the windows looking out on Grand Boulevard and Missouri Ave.
“Our windows are our advertisement. We want people to know we are here,” said proprietor Lisa Langford, who started decorating for Christmas a tad early, as is the trend these days.
The storefront windows are a throwback to the Christmas pasts that Langford spent in Buffalo, New York when window shopping on Main Street in whatever town you lived in could be just as much fun as going in.
It’s also a way to get people in the spirit for the holiday shopping season that typically kicks off on Black Friday on November 27, followed by Small Business Saturday on November 28.
Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a way to support the surrounding community by opening your wallet for smaller, locally-owned establishments.
The non-profit New Port Richey Main Street along with several downtown businesses are aiming to stretch the season through December 31, with a promotional postcard (below) that will offer discounts when picked up at various establishments.
Come Saturday morning, Langford, whose colorful, mermaid windows launched the idea for the boutique that hosts over 70 local artisans, will be donning the spirit and the costume of Mrs. Claus.
It’s her second year hosting the old-fashioned Christmas event that comes complete with complimentary home-baked treats, hot cocoa and a little “snowfall.”
“We’re all doing what we can to drive downtown foot traffic,” said Langford, who expanded the shop footprint and opened the Grand Ballroom event center on the second floor during the pandemic shutdown.
Langford and other small business owners are hoping some of that foot traffic will step on in to give local establishments a boost.
“Small Business Saturday has always brought a large influx of guests. It helps us kick off the season,” said Kelly Hackman, owner of the White Heron Tea and Gift Shop (6228 Grand Boulevard).
“The movement has grown every year and that’s really phenomenal – not just because of the revenue it brings in, but because we will see more guests. People that may have never been in the tea room come in and then they are booking parties.”
Hackman, who has already sold out three Holiday Tea events featuring Victorian Carolers, said her patrons are looking to get out, but in a safe and controlled environment, preferring to gather in small groups with amenities such as contactless payment.
“Of course, we’re not at full capacity because we just can’t do that now,” she said, adding that there is a possibility of adding a Holiday Story Event in mid-December.
The gift shop is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Small Business Saturday, and guests can stop in and have Happy Hour in the Tea Parlour (tea, and some select tea sandwiches) from 11 am to 3 pm.
At Art Lover’s Boutique (5647 Main Street), several artists are offering 10% off their wares on Black Friday. Artist demonstrations are planned as well as some sweet treats and a “Holiday Photo Op” spot.
Those who are interested in purchasing a gift and supporting the local art scene are welcome to stop into the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre, (6237 Grand Boulevard) where they will be running a special on tickets: Buy one get one half off for upcoming shows.
Looking to give the gift of music? Maybe pick up the ukulele or guitar? Mullins Music (5736 Missouri Ave.) is offering 20% off their annual holiday instrument + lessons package.
Then take a few steps over to Lis’s Pieces where Langford will be doing it in old-town style on Saturday.
“We just want to bring good old-fashioned Christmas back into a world that is social distancing,” she said.
“And of course, we will be social distancing and masks will be in play,” she said, adding that capacity guidelines will also be followed.
“If we have to serve people cookies and cocoa while they are waiting outside, we’ll do that,” Langford said. “I just want people to feel comfortable coming here while enjoying an old-time Christmas experience.”
For a complete listing of downtown New Port Richey businesses, check out the Downtown New Port Richey website.