Clarkston’s Union General kicked off Christmas season crunch time with an open house, Dec. 10.
“We had a good turnout,” said owner Ann Stevenson, who hosted the wine and hors d’oeuvre event with her husband, Curt Catallo.
“It was nice. We invited friends and neighbors from the village, most of whom could walk over here. That’s the beauty of it. It’s a lost way to shop.”
Their first open house, they wanted to remind people of the importance of shopping locally.
“People are cognizant of where their money is going,” she said. “They want to support local small businesses so they stay strong and stay around. It’s great to see people aware of that.”
The shop offers several last minute ideas for presents, she said.
“Jewelry makes a great, quick gift,” she said. “We have a line of French jewelry, good for any holiday.”
Their Thymes line of Frasier Fir scents, lotions, candles, and diffusers are also popular.
“We sell a lot of that line,” she said. “The diffusers are a great way to go. There’s no candle to burn. They last about a year. They’re really a hit, very popular.”
As with all Main Street businesses, they offer personal service to help people find great gifts.
“We’re happy to help,” she said. “We’ll even put it in a gift bag with some tissue and a bow so you don’t even have to wrap it. That saves time, which is always a plus.”