Business notes | Dec. 5
Lighted garlands make downtown storefronts festive for curbside pickup this holiday season. Photo by Gordon Miller.
In the constant quest to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, local retailers are taking steps to make it easier for customers to shop from home and limit their time inside shops this season.
Revitalizing Waterbury has compiled a holiday gift guide with suggestions from many local retailers, merchants and restaurants. The annual Wrap It Up and Win promotion is also underway through Dec. 20 with weekly drawings of prizes from local businesses bearing the familiar snowman poster.
Details on both of those programs here.
Browse the Beer Cellar from home
The Craft Beer Cellar recently moved its entire inventory online with spreadsheets for nearly 600 beers, just under 100 ciders and an eclectic list of more than 180 meads, hard seltzers, kombuchas, infused syrups and non-alcoholic beverages.
Customers may order ahead for curbside pickup. A valid photo ID must match the name on the credit card used for purchase during pickup. Details are on the shop’s Facebook page and website, craftbeercellar.com. For more information, call 882-8034 or email waterbury@craftbeercellar.com.
Stowe Street Emporium adds mystery to the holidays
A pandemic might be the perfect time to let someone else do the shopping and wrapping. Kathy Murphy at Stowe Street Emporium asks for a little direction and she’ll put together a “Mystery Box” for anyone on your list. Prices start at $25 per box with topical categories such as gifts for babies and children, gifts for the kitchen or bath, gifts to wear or gifts to eat. There are examples on the store website, stowestreetemporium.com, or create your own category. Order by email and the personal-shopper elves will pack it up and even wrap it for curbside pickup, delivery or shipping. “The best part - you don’t need to leave your home and your support will mean more than you know for our family,” Murphy said in her Facebook explanation of the boxes.
Moretown Artisans’ Sale goes online
Looking to not attract a crowd this holiday season, the annual Moretown Artisans’ Sale is happening completely online with more than 75 vendors.
“Our goal is to allow everyone to shop in the safety and convenience of their homes and still support our area’s local artists,” the website explains.
The annual event began in 2002 and since 2011 has been held at Moretown Elementary School, attracting vendors and shoppers from nearby communities.
Organizers hope to resume the in-person sale with live music and a visit from Santa in the future. For now, find the sale online at moretownartisan.com.