L

Nationwide, retail sales between Thanksgiving and Christmas are expected to exceed $1 trillion for the first time according to the National Retail Federation.

How are some of Tullahoma’s leading locally owned retailers anticipating sales this Christmas shopping season?

Lexie Heath, owner of Yellow Tulip Design, expects strong sales. “Our Christmas Open House weekend kicked off the holiday season with record sales. We are anticipating sales to continue to increase throughout the season. We continue to receive new arrivals and restocks daily. Our best sellers include Judy Blue branded blue jeans and Flicker, our house-poured soy candles continue to be another top selling item.”  Heath encourages shoppers to shop small and shop local.

“November has been very busy and we are running ahead of last year,” according to Jim Woodard, owner of Woodard’s Diamond Showroom. “We are in the fine jewelry business so we deal in beautiful gems and jewelry of many collections. We are LeVian’s largest Tennessee dealer and the area’s largest dealer for both natural and lab grown diamonds. Glock and Bulova watches and our Pandora and Kendra Scott collections are some of our most popular items.” Woodard encourages shoppers to shop early while the selection is larger.

At Nature’s Elite, owner Diana Murray, said,” The season has started off steadily and with great energy. We are seeing a nice mix of familiar faces and new customers who are intentionally choosing to shop small and support our community. We have introduced extra promotions and loyalty rewards specifically designed to thank our local customers for choosing us over the big box and online giants.” Some of her most popular items include magnesium for your nervous system and sleep, immune support supplements, protein powder and collagen. Murray added. “We just want to say thank you to our community for choosing to shop small.”

Tina Rose, owner of T Michelle Clothiers, offered, “We have already seen quite a flurry of activity with women shopping in the store both for themselves and gifts for friends and family. So far our best sellers have been sweaters. We also sell a tremendous amount of jackets and vests, which are also popular gift ideas. Gift certificates always make a nice treat for the recipient looking forward to enjoying a shopping trip to T Michelle’s.” Rose said her building and store are decorated for Christmas and she looks forward to seeing her regular customers and hopefully some new customers this year.

Locally owned Royal Furniture general manager Patrick Hiles said sales are way up this season. Some of his more popular items include Kempton Power sofa set, Wolfridge Power sofa set and all bedroom groups. Hiles is offering a free TV with select items. He reminds shoppers free pictures with Santa will available December 20^th from 1 to 4 p.m.

“We have the best customers in the world,” according to Randy Wilson, co-owner of Water’s Edge Chocolates. He reminds shoppers this is their 11^th Christmas season serving them at their current location. “We look forward to brightening their day during this busy holiday season. We have something for everyone to love.”  Chocolate covered popcorn is their most popular product. They also have a new line of truffle assortments with amazing flavor combinations.