Local stores getting shoppers to think Christmas in November

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) – With an unusually warm start to November, it may not seem like Christmas is near. But that’s not stopping businesses from trying to get shoppers in the holiday spirit.

It’s something shopper Bonnie Hiner doesn’t mind. “I don’t think it’s too early,” Hiner said. “I like to get out and shop, and get everything done early. I don’t like to wait until the last minute. I’m not a last minute shopper.”

On Friday, new sights appeared to help get shoppers there. The Salvation Army in Indiana added lights to its tree and placed its red kettle sign out front.

In Noblesville, store fronts are stacked with trees and other holiday decorations. “We’ve put a lot work into our storefront, and just really eye catching and fun for the kids,” Lil Bloomers employee Maggie Gushwa-Williams said.

“Everybody has a different little theme,” Old Picket Fence owner Rosie Hoistion said. “There’s different colors. Some have red, some have silver.”

What makes these store fronts unique is that they’re actually putting live mannequins inside.  It’s part of Noblesville Main Street’s First Friday.

For the third time, this creative idea is aimed at jump starting the holiday shopping. A display store owners take seriously.

“We’ve got the snake here, the hand sewn snake, and the Oogie Boogie character on top of the Christmas tree,” Gushwa-Williams said.

“Baby Jesus, and Mary, Joseph, the wise men and their gifts,” Hoistion said.

So while you might work up a sweat walking to each storefront, at least shoppers say the decorations put you in the holiday mood.

“I don’t care if it’s warm or cold,” Hiner said. “It doesn’t bother me at all. So the spirit is the spirit.”

The Noblesville Main Street event runs until 8 p.m. Friday.  As for the Salvation Army, you won’t see the red kettles in stores until next week.

Of course, Santa will be at Castleton Square Mall until Christmas Eve, when he needs to leave to deliver all those gifts.