Niwot Merchants Reflect on Holiday Events

With just a few days left until the Christmas holiday, the season of downtown carolers, visits by Santa (and for the past two years, Elsa), holiday markets full of food, crafts, art, and good cheer, horse-drawn carriages and festive parties featuring competitive gingerbread house decorating, is coming to and end as well.

We asked Niwot's downtown merchants to reflect on this season, and how the events impacted their businesses. Generally, merchants were pleased at how all the activities brought a festive atmosphere to town and increased foot traffic. Below are some of their comments:

"It was busier than usual. Especially the weekend before this one was really busy. There were a lot of people coming in."

- Lamya Deeb

Artist and part-time employee, Osmosis Art and Architecture

"The first Christmas market on December 3 was our best retail day of the year. This, in spite of the fact that it was the morning we discovered we had our window broken out. Sadly, the entire week after was completely dead because everyone thought we were closed. So, overall, we haven't had a great Christmas season."

– Gene Hayworth

Owner, Inkberry Books

"It was pretty busy, I'd say like possibly double the sales we usually have. Not a full double, but close. We would add in another person or two on the parade days. That and the first holiday market were really strong."

- Garret Ramirez

Assistant Manager, The Old Oak Coffeehouse

These days were really great for our shop. We got a lot of customers in, both old and new, thanks to the events and the foot traffic. We hope there will be a lot of children's books under the Christmas tree this year."

- Jerilyn

Owner, The Wandering Jellyfish

"It was busy and we opened on days or times that we don't usually open, like earlier in the day. It definitely made a difference. The events definitely kept us busy."

-Michael Brennan

Bartender, The Wheel House

"Holiday events are always a huge hit for my store, just because I'm still getting discovered. Every event, there's always someone that stumbles in, asks how long I've been here. Good crowd. Great energy. I always love the events."

–Angie Miltersen

Owner, Few of a Kind Vintage and Mercantile