The holiday season went well for some California businesses, despite all the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier in 2020, many businesses couldn't be sure how things might turn out, but after finishing out the year and beginning the new one strong, many local business owners are excited to see what's in store next.
Winding Road Gifts and Interiors' sales were up from last year - a definite win, owner Julie Bolinger said. The store was able to work with a local television station for advertisement, bringing in people from Columbia, Jefferson City and other nearby towns.
Of course, there were a lot of local faces as well.
"I felt a lot of people were looking to shop at smaller, more local venues this season, to stay away from larger crowds and help our small businesses succeed," Bolinger said. "We had a lot of compliments on our store and our town from new customers, stating they will be excited to return after the holiday season!"
Bolinger also recommended other businesses on Oak Street, as well as around town, to visiting shoppers in hopes of helping to spread sales locally during the holidays.
Modern Edge Boutique was just as busy and successful, especially during the week of and after Christmas, owner Katie Minard said. She said things are still going strong thanks to the boutique's 40 percent off end-of-year sale, which ends Friday.
Clenin Farm Supply also had a lot of specials going on through the Christmas season, keeping owner Tyler Clenin and the store busy - almost busier than last season, he said.
Over at Exhale Spa, owner Kayle Kiesling said the business was benefitted in that it not only had an abundance of gift certificates and gift bags available, but it also added a new service - microblading - just in time for those family Christmas photos.
"The holiday season went great for us, better than last Christmas season," Kiesling said.
Along with those holiday looks came holiday treats, leaving Sugar and Spice Bakery to have a great, busy season for which owner Rosie Statt said they're very much grateful. The bakery is currently taking a break for the month of January to do some deep cleaning and hopes to be back in time for Valentine's Day, Statt said.
With the holidays now taking a break, businesses across town are shifting focus to run after-Christmas specials, clear space for new products and services, and plan ahead for the new year.