Big crowd helps merchants usher in the holiday season

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
If the number of shoppers in Hartselle for Christmas Open House on Sunday afternoon is an indication, Hartselle merchants are on track for a successful holiday season.
"We had big crowds of people everywhere…in the streets, on the sidewalks, in the stores…and they were buying," said Susan Hines, president of Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce.
"This is a big boost for our economy," she stated. "Not only did the sales move goods and turn profits for our retail businesses, but a portion of them will wind up in the city's coffers and be used to help fund services for our citizens."
She added, "The exposure will also pay dividends throughout the holiday shopping season. Many of those who looked and found something they liked will come back later to buy."
Hines said she learned a lot about the widespread appeal of the annual event by asking people who attended the Taste of Hartselle where they lived.
We had people here from Moulton, Cullman, Birmingham, Huntsville, Madison and Decatur," she pointed out. I talked to some who said they come every year, others were here visiting relatives and others had heard about it from friends and neighbors and wanted to come check it out."
"Everything went smoothly and our merchants did a good job of putting their best foot forward and getting a head start on the holiday shopping season," Hines pointed out.
"Now it is our hope that shoppers will think Hartselle first when they buy for the people on their gift lists."
Christmas Open House and Taste of Hartselle is just two of several pre-Christmas events planned by the Chamber. Others include the annual downtown Christmas Parade on Dec. 1 and the HBA Christmas Tour of Homes on Dec. 3.