Holiday shoppers head to Kentucky Oaks Mall for last minute holiday gifts

Jack Cane | WPSD Local 6

PADUCAH– Many of you may need to do some last minute shopping for presents. Online orders are becoming increasingly popular as we continue to deal with the pandemic, but some people are choosing to go to Kentucky Oaks Mall for their gifts. The mall is staying busy as Christmas gets closer. Nancy and Mike Hannover normally spend their holiday shopping, but the pandemic is changing that.

“We like to come and be closing the stores on Christmas Eve, and watching all of the people, and looking for the last minute bargains,” Nancy said.

It also means making changes for their holiday plans.

“My family is in Ohio and because of the pandemic we really can’t go there. And her time off, we really don’t have enough time to go up there and see them,” Mike said. “So it’s just us two for the holidays”

If you do plan on going to the mall you’re asked to wear a mask and practice proper social distancing. Cami Donelson was shopping with her parents. She says all she wants for Christmas is for her family to be safe.

“We’ve been shopping a lot. We’re going to make ginger bread houses with our friends and family, we’ve been watching Christmas movies in the living room, and hanging out with our dogs,” Donelson said.

The Hannovers emphasized the importance of wearing a mask and practicing proper hygiene if you choose to go to the mall. Kentucky Oaks Mall will be open Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be closed on Christmas Day. Click here to see the mall’s full holiday hour schedule.

 

A fun, fashionable and fabulous new chapter at Sandusky Mall

The evolution continues at Sandusky Mall.  A huge, ongoing renovation has made way for new offerings and new spaces for popular brands, some of them entering the local marketplace for the first time.  Coming in 2021:

  • TJMaxx will be moving from its current location to a nearly 26,000 square foot space next to Cheers. It will occupy a position in a former department store space that has been completely redeveloped.
  • Nearby, Five Below will debut in a 10,276 square foot location.
  • On the other side of Cheers and the food court entrance, get ready to welcome Another Broken Egg, an exciting new 5,100 square foot restaurant.

Sandusky-area shoppers are well-acquainted with TJMaxx, a retailer that combines, fashion, brand names and value. High-quality fashions arrive at the store several times a week, with each delivery containing thousands of items. The rapidly changing assortments create that “treasure hunt” shopping experience that customers love.

Five Below is one of the fastest growing value retailers on the planet, offering high-quality products loved by tweens, teens and more, with most items priced at five dollars or less.  Its merchandise falls into eight distinct Five Below categories: Tech, Create, Play, Candy, Room, Style, Party, New & Now. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Five Below has 1000 stores in 38 states

Another Broken Egg Cafe isn’t your typical breakfast, brunch and lunch place. Its menu is second-to-none, loaded with fresh ingredients and creative recipes across a wide variety of breakfast classics, memorable brunch dishes and lunchtime favorites. It is designed to feel like a casual getaway, not just a restaurant.  The original Broken Egg Cafe opened in Mandeville, Louisiana in 1996.  Because it was wildly popular, it has grown to a chain of more than 100 “Another” Broken Egg Cafes.

At the same time, an exciting national retail entity is currently interested in occupying a 26,611 square foot space between Five Below and TJMaxx.  Discussions are ongoing and it is hoped that a deal will be finalized in the coming months.

These new stores and relocations are part of other recent changes at the mall.  A new 50,000 square foot Hobby Lobby opened in the spring and, in October, Shoe Dept. Encore opened the doors on a new 13,500 square foot location on Center Court.

Sandusky Mall has been undergoing a dramatic transformation, one that will continue in coming months.  Already, sections of the mall structure have been removed to create new green space and easier customer access. In addition to the offerings described above, a new residential component is being developed on a portion of the mall complex.  Additional retail spaces are also being prepared for future tenants.

The Sandusky Mall Complex, located at 4314 Milan Road (U.S. Route 250), near Sandusky, Ohio, has been serving the people of the “North Coast” since 1976.  It currently comprises more than one million square feet of retail space.  It is the premier shopping destination for the community, with great names like JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, American Eagle Outfitters, Best Buy, Herman’s Furniture & Design, Ulta Beauty and nearly 50 additional retailers, restaurants and other businesses.  The state-of-the-art Cinemark Theater offers the finest cinema experience in the area.  Sandusky Mall Complex is owned and managed as part of the Cafaro family of companies, based in Niles, Ohio.  One of the nation’s largest privately held shopping center developers, the Cafaro organization has developed more than 30 million square feet of commercial real estate in 14 states.  For more information visit www.cafarocompany.com and www.sandusky-mall.com

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North Central West Virginia business owners thankful to customers during Small Business Saturday

by Jonathan Weaver STAFF WRITER | Nov 28, 2020

Former local resident Aaron Williams makes a Small Business Saturday purchase from Sam Marks, co-owner of High Caliber Customs in Clarksburg.

Ringing out customer, Staff photo by Jonathan Weaver

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) — The holiday shopping season is in full swing, COVID-19 or not, and locally owned stores made sure to highlight their wares on Small Business Saturday.

Leah Michael, owner of Sudsberry, a Clarksburg-based skin care boutique, said the state’s changing COVID-19 guidelines forced her to re-evaluate her business plan. But she said customers have been receptive to curbside pickup options, limited hours and a new Meadowbrook Mall kiosk.

“My customers have been loyal and so thoughtful with words of encouragement and support during these uncertain times, and it’s heartwarming to have their support. Our community’s support is how my small business is surviving,” Michael said.

Sudsberry sales associate Macie Clutter, a former customer, manned the mall kiosk Saturday afternoon, serving about a dozen customers in her first hour.

Bruceton Mills’ Candace Burleyson shopped at the kiosk for the first time Saturday, with daughters Harlynn and Braisley choosing character-themed bath soaps.

At Artworks in Bridgeport, owner Lotus MacDowell said the Small Business Saturday foot traffic was similar to that of 2019. She said the last three months of the year are the busiest at the store.

“We’ve always had a very loyal audience who shopped during Small Business Saturday. It sometimes is more convenient to buy something online, but you need to remember these little shops are what make your town have personality,” MacDowell said. “Every time you shop locally, you not only help the person who has the business, but you are helping to keep the community vibrant.

“If there was ever a year where people need to support their local businesses, this is the year.”

Bridgeport’s Joy Larry purchased a birdhouse for her cousin at Artworks on Saturday.

“I want to support the local businesses. I’ve been shopping at Lotus’ place for years, so I thought I’d come and see what unique items she had,” Larry said.

Ginny Hamrick of Fairmont also chose to support local businesses as she shopped for her mother at Artworks.

“I know right now its a hard time for them,” Hamrick said of locally owned retailers.

Sam and Lara Marks, owners of High Caliber Customs and Daffodil Decals in Clarksburg, were glad for the good weather and the steady flow of customers Saturday, the start of what they hope will be a busy holiday shopping season.

Lara Marks said most of Saturday’s business was customers shopping for family members or men shopping for hunting ammunition.

“I’ve been trying to keep (hunting ammunition) in stock, but last week I got bought out,” Sam Marks said. “But we got a big shipment in (Friday) to try and keep up. Ammo always sells.”

Cathy Goings, owner of Wicked Sisters Clothing Boutique in Clarksburg, offered specials and refreshments to shoppers on Saturday.

“The excitement of shopping for the holidays is still there,” Goings said. “A lot of people haven’t been out, but because of Small Business Saturday, they made an effort to come out and support their local small businesses, and we’re very grateful for that.

“It’s been steady throughout most of the day. We’re very pleased.”

Goings also encouraged shoppers to support Looking Glass Consignment and Sudsberry, which have downtown Clarksburg locations.

In Bridgeport, crafters visited Hammer and Stain to pick up items, as well as purchase pre-printed Hammer @ Home kits or pre-made home decor.

About 20 people had pre-ordered items Friday, according to co-licensee Mary McCloy.

Hammer and Stain still holds a handful of craft workshops each week despite the pandemic, limiting guests to 10-11 at a time.

“We pour all the paints and sand the wood for them, as well as prepare the stencil, provide the sponges and gloves, stain and paint they need to make their project,” McCloy said. “They can order these online if they don’t feel comfortable coming into the workshop. We give step-by-step instructions with each order so that their projects come out successfully.

“We’re only at half capacity (during in-person workshops), but I’m able to maintain. I’m very blessed to be able to do that.”

Despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and changing COVID-19 guidelines, McCloy said the business has seen new clients this year, thanks to the in-person workshops and the Hammer @ Home kits.