Christmas Spirit Shines Year-Round at Bonavista Store

In the town of Bonavista on Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula, one shop offers a festive experience every day of the year. Gina Little opened Christmas 1497 Bonavista Inc. three years ago, creating a destination for holiday enthusiasts seeking a taste of Christmas at any time. Although the peak season occurs in the lead-up to December 25, the store maintains a lively Christmas atmosphere throughout the year.

Visitors to Little’s shop can expect a full holiday experience, regardless of the season. “When you come in here — if you come in July, you come in February — you’re getting the Christmas spirit,” she told CBC Radio’s The St. John’s Morning Show. The store features Christmas music playing continuously, a detail Little believes adds to the unique ambiance. Her staff, she notes, embrace the festive tunes without complaints.

Embracing Nostalgia and Variety

Christmas 1497 offers a wide array of decorations that appeal to various tastes and budgets. Little has observed that certain items evoke nostalgia, reminding customers of their childhood or family traditions. “The vintage ones are, I think, my favourite,” she shared. Popular items this year include decorative bows, with many customers exploring colors that resonate with their personal styles. “Whatever you love — you love the reds and golds? Go for it. If you love the pinks and greens, there’s so much different variety that you can do,” Little added.

The store has attracted a diverse clientele, welcoming visitors from across the globe. Little expressed her joy in hearing that the shop brings comfort to those having a tough day. “We have a lot of repeat customers. I love the people that come in, and they’re having a hard day, and they listen to a bit of Christmas music and go around, and they tell me they feel better when they leave,” she said.

A Dream Realized Despite Challenges

Little’s vision of opening a Christmas store had been a long-standing dream. Initially uncertain about the shop’s viability in Bonavista, she decided to take the plunge, believing in the community’s growth and the accessibility offered by online shopping. “The way our town has grown in the last 10 years, with online now being accessible, I thought I’d give it a shot,” she explained.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding her unique business model, Little has faced challenges typical of new ventures. “Any new business starting up, it’s a struggle anyway, but especially when you do a unique store that’s year-round,” she acknowledged. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic and dedicated to making her dream work, stating, “It’s very hard but we’re making it work so far and I’m open to continuing to make it work.”

As more consumers gravitate towards local businesses, Little’s dedication to spreading Christmas cheer through her store continues to flourish. The shop also provides shipping options for customers who may have limited space in their luggage, ensuring that holiday spirit can reach homes worldwide. With her unwavering passion, Gina Little is not just selling decorations; she is cultivating joy and nostalgia for all who enter her festive haven.