“For the longest time I thought my love of Christmas was rare, but if there’s one I’ve learned, it’s that I am part of a large population of people who adore this beautiful season,” says Melissa Gunn, owner of Deck The Halls shop in downtown Dowagiac.
The doors to her Christmas decor, ornament, and gift shop opened five years ago this month, and the excitement for her success is the talk of the town! Deck The Halls, bursting with that winter wonderland feeling and the joy of the holiday season, now inhabits the corner building at 202 S. Front Street, and the ornate detail on its exterior adds to the charm of the shop.
“Just nine months after opening, I moved to a larger and more prominent location within the central business district of Dowagiac. This allowed me to increase my inventory by bringing in new holiday vendors and local artisans, and to create a section of local and Michigan-themed gifts, housewares, and apparel,” says Melissa.
A mighty, small business itself, Melissa supports other small businesses by offering wares made locally. “We currently carry the holiday themed line of candles from Niles-based ‘Wicked Pop Candle Co.’, and handmade Michigan ornaments from local artist Sherri Styx,” she says. You can also find the ever-popular edible cookie dough from ‘The Dough Parlor’, in the store.
In celebration of her five year anniversary, Deck The Halls is hosting an Open House this week, with a special Open House Preview this Thursday, November 10th, from 5 p.m – 7 p.m. A ‘special treat’ will accompany every purchase made on Thursday, as well as a pop-up sale, only available on the 10th.
Shopping in-person reinforces the magic of the holidays. Traveling from shop to shop, on lighted streets and through shimmering doorways, enhances the warmth of the season and brings that extra-special something to our buying experience.
Her number one selling item is ornaments, with a wide array of glass ornaments from various companies, like Spokane, Washington-based Old World Christmas, lining the walls of the store like twinkle lights. The store has also become well-known for the large assortment of Dowagiac t-shirts.
“Christmas has always been my favorite holiday,” Melissa says. “I’ve always loved the weeks-long build up of shopping, decorating, baking, wrapping and gatherings: all the things that come with Christmas.”
Melissa and her husband are proud citizens of Dowagiac, so choosing a location for her store was simple. “Dowagiac is home,” she says. “We have established ourselves within the community, and have loved watching our town blossom in recent years. It is my hope that Deck the Halls has helped to bring new visitors to our beautiful downtown, and encouraged locals and previous visitors to return.”
Deck The Halls now has holiday season hours, offering shopping time Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 11 a.m, with extended shopping hours on Thursdays (until 7 p.m). Shop the store this weekend during their Open House, Friday November 11th and Saturday November 12th, to find the perfect gift, and congratulate Melissa on her five year anniversary!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
