Christmas cheer spread throughout stores in McComb and Summit Thursday despite unusually warm temperatures as the Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s Mistletoe & Magic ushered in holiday shopping.
Shoppers grabbed a bite to eat at stores, which offered refreshments, some of which included dips and other goodies they sell.
The event has been put on by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce for nine years.
Participants were Alford’s Flowers, debec’s & Sew Be It, Blue Eyed Sisters Boutique, Up Front and Main, Holmes Stationers & Gifts, District 51, Sweet Tooth Cafe, Selman’s Jewelers and Gemologist, and Gulf/South Art Gallery.
Stores did a “draw your savings,” where customers could save 10 to 70 percent on clothing, flowers, monogrammed items and home decor.
Tempestt Page and Kristen McBeth said Mistletoe & Magic is a time where they shop and relax without their children.
“We come every year,” Page said. The two friends said they enjoy the sales and shopping without interruptions.
Page and McBeth, like most Pike County shoppers, were making their rounds throughout the stores.
“We’ve been to Alford’s and debec’s Sew Be It, and we’re headed to Up Front and Main,” Page said.
Ellen Haddid, a first time Mistletoe & Magic shopper, said she was able to go out to District 51.
“My husband is watching the kids and I was able to get away for an hour and shop,” she said.
Barbara Simmons, co-owner of debec’s & Sew Be It, said the shopping event was wonderful.
“The store was so crowded people couldn’t walk,” she said.
She said Debec’s closed around 8 p.m.
“We had customers right up until then,” Simmons said. “It was a tremendously successful day. It was fun for us and customers got some bargains.”
Simmons said she’d like to thank all of the employees for working hard all day.
District 51 owner Sissy Whittington said it was good night for the store.
“In this economy, it was a good night,” she said. “There was a steady flow of activity and it was a great time. We appreciate any opportunity to draw customers in to celebrate any season, especially this one. It’s a great time of the year.”
Whittington said she’s thankful to the chamber for offering the opportunity to participate in Mistletoe & Magic.
“We wouldn’t have this opportunity without them,” she said.
Chamber executive director Catherine Sanders said stores were packed throughout day and night.
“Shoppers were excited and retailers worked very hard,” she said.
She said stores had all new inventory and were fully decorated in holiday decor.
“It was fantastic. What makes me happy is that people know about it and they expect Mistletoe & Magic every year,” she said. “They knew it was going to happen. It was a great day for retailers and it kicked off shopper’s Christmas list. Retailers offered really good deals, discounts and incentives.
“It’s nice to see people really understanding the value of shopping local. We appreciate businesses who participated.”
