’Tis the season for holiday open houses, and there’s several more to check out locally this weekend.
Bible Book Shop & Gifts in downtown Scottsbluff is currently having its second annual Christmas Open House. The fun began Thursday, and the event continues today (Friday, Dec. 6) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday (Dec. 7) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their business, which is the only Christian books and gifts store in western Nebraska, is located at 14 East 16th St.
Anytime is a good time to check out all the inspirational gifts, home decor, jewelry, T-shirts, Bibles, adult and children’s books and much more at Bible Book Shop & Gifts, but extra special savings and fun surprises are being offered throughout their Christmas Open House.
For example, customers will receive a goodie bag after making a purchase. These goodie bags include discount coupons, ranging from 20 to 40 percent off a regular-priced item, that can be redeemed in January. Many goodie bags also include gift cards, including some that are worth $20. There will also be giveaways and cool drawings for gift cards and other special items from the store. Children will receive their own goodie bag.
Perhaps the biggest reason to attend the Bible Book Shop and Gifts’ Christmas Open House is that customers receive 20 percent off ALL regular-priced items!
In addition, for every $50 a customer spends in the store, he or she will be able to enter a drawing for an amazing Fontanini Collectors Nativity Scene, valued at over $200.
“This nativity scene is really traditional-looking. Also, all the figures show a lot of detail, and they don’t break,” said Jeanette Kniss, who’s in her 13th year as Bible Book Shop & Gifts’ owner.
Also, customers who make a purchase in any amount will be entered to win other prizes. Drawings for the collectors nativity scene and other prizes will take place Monday, Dec. 16. Winners will be announced on the business’ Facebook page.
As a bonus, there will be free treats and drinks throughout the Bible Book Shop & Gifts’ Christmas Open House.
Kniss said she expects a good turnout for her Christmas Open House. It’s the first time Bible Book Shop & Gifts has had a three-day sale.
“We have a variety of Christmas gift items for men, women and children – we have something for everyone at many different price points,” she said. “Also, a lot of the items in our store you can’t find anywhere else around here.”
Another reason to shop at Bible Book Store & Gifts, Kniss said, is that employees place a priority on customer service.
“When people come in, they can find someone to help them with their shopping, and we’re very familiar with the products,” she said. “For example, we can explain to people the different Bibles and all the features of the different study Bibles. I don’t know how many times I’ve been thanked for that. They’ll say, ‘Thank you so much. Now, I know better what I want to buy for my Bible.’”
Prairie Pines Quilt Shop’s Christmas Open House
Another local business to check out this weekend for big savings and fun is the Christmas Open House at Prairie Pines Quilt Shop in Gering.
Their Christmas Open House is set for today (Dec. 6) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday (Dec. 7) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
During the two-day event, customers will receive 20 percent off regular-priced items, excluding certain items. Also, customers will be treated to hourly specials, ruler demos, and free holiday cookies, and they’ll also be able to register for door prizes.
In addition, customers can get 25 percent off any BERNINA and bernette accessories stuffed in your stocking. There’s also a special offer for 25 percent off MSPR on all embroidery software.
Prairie Pines Quilt Shop is located at 1270 10th St., Suite B, in Gering.
As a reminder, Prairie Pines Quilt Shop is now open on Thursday evenings until 8 p.m. until Christmas.
Here’s some other holiday open houses you’ll want to check out this weekend:
- A Bridal Affair in downtown Scottsbluff will have its Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by that day to get 25 to 50 percent off select prom, wedding, homecoming, and bridesmaids dresses. There will also be drawings for gift cards and other special prizes. A Bridal Affair is also planning to have free wedding cake samples that day.
- The Garden Gate, located at 336 Main St. in Bayard, is having its Christmas Open House today and Saturday (Dec. 6-7).
- Scotts Bluff Country Club is having its Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4-6 p.m. Customers will receive an extra 20 percent off clothing.
Small Business Saturday Part II
Unfortunately, the bad weather last Saturday (Nov. 30) put a damper on Small Business Saturday, a day when many local businesses had planned to offer their customers extra special offers and discounts. Many local businesses had to close early or couldn’t open at all that day because of the storm.
Many of those local businesses, however, have decided to hold their Small Business Saturday celebrations this week. Here are some of them:
- Tossed & Found in downtown Scottsbluff has actually been celebrating Small Businesses all week with 20 percent off everything. This special offer continues today (Dec. 6) and Saturday (Dec. 7).
- Lynne Morgan Boutique in downtown Scottsbluff is celebrating Small Business Saturday today (Dec. 6) and Saturday (Dec. 7) with 20 percent off outerwear and cold weather accessories, 25 percent off footwear, and 10 percent off all other items in the store, including clearance items.
- Flyover Brewing Company in downtown Scottsbluff will celebrate Small Businesses this Saturday, Dec. 7. Customers will be able to get 10 percent off all merchandise with a food or beverage purchase. Also note that Flyover Brewing Company’s Live Music Series will also be held this Saturday, featuring Gabe the Brute from 6-9 p.m.
- TC and More in downtown Scottsbluff is offering 20 percent off merchandise, excluding Western Nebraska Pioneers apparel, through Sunday, Dec. 8. Also, all Christmas decor and ornaments are now 30 percent off.
Small Business Saturday is an important day for local businesses, as it’s a day that draws even more attention to the importance of shopping locally. It’s important for not only small businesses, but shopping locally also is critical to the financial success – and enjoyment – of our communities. We encourage everyone, as much as possible, to shop local every day.
Lots of Christmas decorations at ABC Nursery
Looking for some beautiful Christmas wreaths and Douglas fir boughs? ABC Nursery in Scottsbluff has a good selection of those right now.
In addition, ABC Nursery has lots of cool Christmas gifts and home decor items available inside their store, including a wide selection of ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree.
ABC Nursery also expects to have poinsettias available for purchase soon. Check with them next week for availability.
ABC Nursery, which is located at 1101 South Beltline Highway, is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-4 p.m.
Successful Candyland Open House at Infinity A Salon
Infinity A Salon in Scottsbluff had its annual Candyland Open House last month, and owner Anne Lewis said it was a big success.
“It was one of the biggest turnouts we’ve had, and I think that’s because we have a lot of families who come to our salon,” she said. “We really enjoy seeing all the kids and the whole family aspect of it. Having all the kids around was so much fun.”
Customers were treated to lots of sweet savings during the Candyland Open House, and customers will have a chance to enjoy more big savings during Infinity A Salon’s annual Holiday Gift Card Sale. From Dec. 15-21, people can purchase a $100 gift card for only $75; a $75 gift card for $60; a $50 gift card for $40; and a $25 gift card for $20.
Coupon of the Week
The coupon section in Nspire Today! magazine includes awesome offers and discounts from more than 45 local businesses. One of the best coupons is a buy one buffet get one free offer at Main Moon Buffet, located at 405 West 27th St. in Scottsbluff. The coupon, which is only available in Nspire Today! magazine, expires Dec. 31.
Spotlight on Loagon Croft of Inland Truck Parts & Service in Scottsbluff
Loagon Croft, of Mitchell, has been a service writer at Inland Truck Parts & Service in Scottsbluff since Jan. 2.
He said he enjoys working at Inland Truck Parts & Service.
“I love the team atmosphere here. It’s absolutely incredible,” he said. “Everybody is willing to help you out with whatever no matter what they have going on.”
Croft said his job as a service write can be stressful at times, but he likes his position, especially working with customers.
Croft said he encourages people to check out Inland Truck Parts & Service if they haven’t already. He said Inland Truck Parts & Service has been in business for more than 70 years.
“This is a very professional business that’s dedicated to customer service,” he said. “We’ve been here a long time, so we’re established. Anything we do – from selling you a part or fixing your truck – you can rely on us. I think if you talk to the majority of people we do business with, they’ll agree with that.”
Before going to Inland Truck Parts & Service, Croft said he managed the body shop at Team Auto Center for three years. Before that, he said he sold vehicles at Team for about five months, and before that he was a service writer.
Croft said he was born and raised in Scottsbluff. He graduated from a trade school in 2008.
The 30-year-old Croft has been married to Brittni Croft, a Chadron State College graduate, for six years. They have a 5-year-old son, Brody.
Outside of work, Loagon said he loves spending time with his family.
“I’m pretty fortunate that I got to marry my best friend,” Loagon said. “And we’re extremely blessed to have [Brody]. He’s always involved in everything we do.”
Loagon said he and his family like living in the Mitchell/Scottsbluff/Gering area.
“It’s more my pace,” he said. “After living in Denver for a while, I appreciate living here even more. It’s a place where it seems like everybody knows everybody, and I really like that.”
As far as hobbies, Loagon said he enjoys building and racing radio controlled vehicles. He said he has quite a few radio controlled cars, ranging from a buggy that will go 70 miles per hour to a truck that will take a beating but keep going.
“I’ve been interested in [radio controlled cars] since I was a little kid,” he said. “I have a picture of when I was 5 years old at Christmas I got my first radio controlled car from RadioShack.”
Loagon said he’s always been interested in anything mechanical.
“My mom would tell you that ever since I was a little she would give me a birthday present or a Christmas present, and the first thing I would do is look for something to take it apart to try to figure out how it worked, and then I would put it back together,” he said.
Tidbits
The Tangled Tumbleweed in Scottsbluff recently began offering a new rotating brunch menu. It will be available through April on the following dates: Dec. 15; Jan. 5 and 19; Feb. 2 and 16; March 1 and 15; and April 5 and 19. The brunch will run on those dates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. … The Marketplace in Mitchell is having its Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9-11 a.m. Kids will be able to have their picture taken with Santa, and free cookies by Hello Cookie Company will also be available. … Is your snowblower ready for its yearly maintenance, or does it need repaired? You can have that taken care of at AJ’s Rentals and Small Engine Repair in Gering, a full service repair and rental facility. As a reminder, AJ’s has a coupon in Nspire Today!’s coupon section for a free oil change with any full service order. … Wild Lights at Riverside Discovery Zoo, presented by First State Bank, is Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15 from 5-7 p.m. The fee is $8 per person. … 16th Empire Restaurant/Lounge in Scottsbluff is offering 50 percent off kids meals with a paying adult on Monday nights from 5-9 p.m. … The Gift Shop’s 12 Days of Christmas runs through Dec. 11. … Santa is coming to TC & More in Scottsbluff on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 5-7 p.m. … ABC Blinds and Shades will continue to offer 50 percent off Graber products through Dec. 31. … At Asian Buffet in Gering, people can purchase a $20 or more gift card and receive an extra $5 free. These gift cards are available for purchase until Dec. 31; however, gift cards can be used anytime. … Bayard’s Mingle Jingle, featuring open houses by numerous businesses in Bayard, is today (Dec. 6) and Friday (Dec. 7).
