By Christopher Holland • The Current Contributing Writer
We all know that 2020 has been a difficult year for small businesses both local and afar, but one charming store in downtown Jim Thorpe is keeping spirits up this holiday season.
Owned by Barbara Zehner, Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe on Race Street is equipped with all kinds of festive merchandise, events and more.
Zehner, originally from Muskegon, Michigan, relocated to the Lehighton area and has been here since 1990. She took time to participate in a Q&A with The Current and shine some light on her business and the upcoming holiday season.
The Current: What is the name of your businesses, and who are the owners?
Barbara Zehner: I am the sole proprietor of Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe, LLC, visible from Josiah White Park and Train Station, located on historic Race Street across from St. Mark’s Church.
The Current: What are the main services provided by the store? What events do you host?
Zehner: We specialize in Christmas décor, with special attention to ‘Old World’ traditions from Italy, Germany, and early New England.
In years past, Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe participated in the Cookie-and-Cocktail Walk during Olde Time Christmas, the annual Mug Walk during Winterfest, and for the past two years with the help of the Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce, we hosted the Sip-and-Shop which included giveaways for a merry night of shopping. And, of course, we look forward to our annual countdown to Christmas with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
At my other business, Route 443 Flower Tent, many of my customers asked me if I maintained the tent for Christmas merchandise. Obviously, a tent in winter would have been impractical, but with the influence of my late mother who absolutely loved the season and decked the house from top to bottom, I took to heart many encouragements to start this business. My experience in business management came with working for The Flower Tent for over twelve years, then purchasing it in 2010.
Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe grew out of the rhythm of selling seasonal gifts such as Easter and Mothers’ Day flowers, summer flowers and plants, and autumnal/harvest décor. The relationships I’ve built with my customers and the skills I learned as a small business owner equipped me well to bring my dream to reality. I suppose you could say I’m an ‘accidental entrepreneur.’
My youngest daughter Jordan, who serves as the manager, is my only full-time employee. I also have a few trusted friends who help me on occasion when Jordan and I need to go away for business or family events.
The Current: Where are the sources from where your products come from? Are they locally sourced?
Zehner: Since we feature European- and early American-themed Christmas decorations, I am careful to partner with suppliers from the United States and Germany, such as Inge-glas ornaments, Buyers’ Choice Christmas Carolers from Chalfont, Pennsylvania, as well as Milkhouse Candles which has a huge following.
The Current: How would you describe the atmosphere at the business?
Zehner: Many of our visitors are immediately struck by the twinklings and tinsel that brighten the shoppe and often comment on the warmth and glow of Jingle Bells’ ambience. We always take pride in the joy and merriment we see on the customers’ faces as they stroll through the shoppe. This often gives them the incentive to put heart into their own preparations for family Christmas celebrations.
The Current: What are the business hours?
Zehner: We are open six days a week from July through the end of December, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. After a month’s closure in January, we resume on the weekends from February through July, again from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. We are closed on Tuesdays.
The Current: What does the future look like for your business? Do you have any special events coming up?
Zehner: Obviously, the pandemic has altered some of our plans but, in the near future, we are hoping to retrieve some of the more traditional festivities associated with the Christmas season. As for our long-term goals, I will continue to search out and bring in exclusive merchandise from around the world.
The Current: What’s the most exciting element of owning your business?
Zehner: Two of the most enjoyable things about owning Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe is decorating the showroom with festive merchandise and seeing the joy and merriment come over visitors who visit our shoppe. Since we are often the last stop on the route (many go up Broadway, then down Race Street), it is not uncommon for people who visit Jim Thorpe to comment on how Jingle Bells gives a nice ending to a day out.
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