Businesses in Sullivan and Wayne Counties have been experiencing the holiday hustle as the season of gift giving continues on through the Winter months.

The Democrat reached out to local businesses to ask their experiences during this year’s holiday rush.

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden, a Jeffersonville-based retail gift shop that offers a variety of gift ideas perfect for the holidays, managed to stay busy in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

According to owner Sue Bodenstein, the most popular items sold this season were Melissa and Doug brand toys, along with hot-selling decorative stuffed gnomes.

Local shoppers have supported the Secret Garden, looking to the store to supply thoughtful holiday gifts.

“We have a very good local following,” said Bodenstein. “We would not be here without them.”

Monticello Farm Home and Garden Inc.

Monticello Farm Home and Garden Inc. experienced their seasonal jump in business just before the end of November, which lasted until the start of December, with Black Friday being the height of the rush.

Owner Jim Boxberger managed to stay on track with the sales of men and women’s Carhartt products, which is the store's best selling items.

Although the store experienced no exponential gain over the holiday season, Monticello Farm Home and Garden extended their business far and wide by shipping Carhartt products all over the United States on the store’s eBay.

Due to the nature of the most popular products sold, weather is constantly playing a factor in how well they sell.

In colder months, Carhartt jackets and other products sell at a much higher rate. This helps with online sales, allowing Monticello Farm Home and Garden Inc. to ship out their products to colder regions in the United States and around the globe.

Camp Umpy’s Bagels and Stuff

The bagel shop located on Main Street in Honesdale had their fair share of work cut out for them this holiday season.

Due to the various reasons, Camp Umpy’s has struggled with staffing issues, resulting in fewer operating hours, but they continue to persevere in making the best of any situation all while providing the community with fresh bagels and merchandise.

"It hasn’t been as busy and I think people aren’t spending as much money,” said Camp Umpy’s owner Cheryl Feustel, who added that she believes the omicron variant of COVID-19 has caused people to spend less.

Even though it is not their busiest season, Feustel remains grateful for the customers who support the bagel shop regularly.

“We’re grateful for the people that do come in all the time,” Feustel said.

As the Winter season continues, the bagel shop carries on with providing bagels, coffee and merchandise for Honesdale residents and holiday shoppers.