Local businesses host holiday open house for residents

JACKSON, Tenn. — With many marked down items, free prizes and refreshments, local businesses in Jackson are hosting holiday open houses and giving customers the opportunity to shop just in time for Christmas.

“It just kind of gets everybody in the Christmas spirit, gets you motivated to start doing your shopping and come out to support the local shops,” said Jerri Sue Maxwell, the owner of Sand’s Florist.

Due to COVID-19, local businesses have been taking all precautions in order to protect shoppers for the holidays.

“We’ve asked that everybody wear a mask. We have a sign on the door, we have hand sanitizer at the front door and our employees continue to go to the back to wash hands,” Maxwell said.

Other businesses like the Queen Bees and Shoppes of Seven Three One are following the same protocol.

“We have our mask and our customers are welcomed to wear their mask. We want everybody to be comfortable,” said Leanne Lovelace, co-owner of Queen Bees.

“Since there is not a mandate in Tennessee, we let them decide, and we always ask at the door would it make you more comfortable,” said Mitzi Campbell, co-owner of Shoppes of Seven Three One.

At the beginning of the pandemic, businesses in Jackson had to close. The holiday open house is helping them pick up where they left off.

Campbell gave an emotional speech to encourage small businesses when moving forward with their sales.

“Keep the faith because Jackson, Tennessee and West Tennessee is amazing about supporting their local businesses, and my heart is full and grate full,” Campbell said.

Local businesses will continue their holiday sales and will also be adding sales on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.