This is one of my favourite times of year at Stonehouse, which may seem odd since it is quite the busy time. There is something magical about the teashop this time of year.
Years before I purchased the business I would work at Stonehouse for the holidays. It was always such a fun and festive atmosphere. Customers were filled with good cheer, the carols would be playing and we would be bagging tons of amazing teas that made work simply smell delicious. We spent late nights building gift baskets and restocking shelves. It is hard to describe the feeling of being part of the hustle and bustle at Stonehouse in the holiday season.
When I purchased Stonehouse, I wanted to expand what we offered, such as being a place where people could shop to find unique yet affordable gifts. Thus began my obsession with finding stocking stuffers under $15.00! It makes me proud every year to have found plenty of gifts to fill stockings at affordable prices.
It was the second year of owning Stonehouse that I created our 12 days of Christmas. I wanted it to be the first 2 weeks of December to help everyone finish their holiday shopping early. I took a lot of time looking for deals and specials from my suppliers. In fact, I actually shop all year round for this event and store items away for the special 12 days. I love keeping them a surprise, even from my staff. It’s so fun to see my staff’s excitement with each day as they often are the first in line to buy one of the 12 day items! To be honest, these products are offered at a deep discount. I don’t try to make any money on these items, they are designed to help my customers afford gifts for everyone—one of my ways of giving back to all the wonderful customers who have supported my business throughout the year.
A lot of people that work in the retail business at Christmas dread going to work and being part of the hustle and bustle. I honestly love it, so much that I often don’t even take a day off the whole month. I want to be part of every single day, and it’s particularly nice when I get the chance to see customers pop in for their Christmas shopping who I haven’t seen all year. I spend a lot of hours chatting and visiting and then in the evenings, I’m busy building baskets and stocking shelves.
If you don’t believe me, ask my staff. I have recently had 4 of them return just to be part of this festive season—which is a lovely compliment to the Stonehouse team! Around this time of year, I feel like we have a bit of a Santa’s workshop in the back. The staff are often singing, baskets are being filled, ribbons are being tied, and festive drinks are flowing. There is something about a White Chocolate Candy Cane Mocha with whip cream that just seems appropriate everyday during this time of year.
I want to say thanks to my amazing customers and community that keep making Stonehouse the place to be during the holiday season—it’s all of your joy and good cheer that make me want to show up every day.
Gotta run, back to my gift basket making and festive drinking!
Cheers,
Christine