By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com
Scented Shimmering Snowberry sachets and South Bend chocolate crunch snacks have been flying out the door at Memories Home Decor & Gifts, 110 S. Main in Pratt this Christmas season. Holiday shoppers have also taken a great interest in soft ragline-sleeve bottom-zip tops, small clutch purses with shoulder straps, Lang calendars, candles, perfume, colorful socks, and a plethora of other interesting and unique gifts stocked by Cathy Hergenreder in her gift shop. Stepping into the store it’s an instant sensory invite to enjoy all that the 2024 Christmas season has to offer for gift options.
“I have been very busy,” Hergenreder said. “Now I am starting to have to shuffle displays around and fill in the holes. Special refill orders are arriving daily.”
Like many Pratt business owners, Hergenreder reported a strong Christmas-shopping season so far with people from both near and far stopping in to find that perfect Christmas gift.
“I’ve been doing videos on social media that people seem to be enjoying,” Hergenreder said. “People are coming in and looking for something they have seen on those videos.”
She recently featured a white, rustic-finished Nativity set and has since sold all but one of those. She said an out-of-state customer recently passed through and had heard about Memories from someone else with roots in Pratt. Word-of-mouth has also provided good cust0mer attraction.
“She swooped in here while traveling through and bought at least 15 of the sachet scent packets,” Hergenreder said. “She was going to use them as special gifts for her friends.”
While the shimmering snowberry packets and Christmas cookie crunch popcorn are top sellers, Hergenreder said a lot of people come in to look and get ideas. Most find something that fits their gift list for family and friends, and themselves.
“I’ve been surprised how many of these simple ragline-sleeve tops I’ve sold,” Hergernreder said. “They are just basic colors: wine, spruce and sand, but it’s the softness that gets people’s attention. They will walk by and touch them and come back for a closer look.”
Hergenreder said other popular clothing items sold this month include stripped sweaters, cropped down vests, and lightweight quilted vests.
“This year people just want to wear something that is comfortable. If it is soft, and lightweight, warm, and comfy, it’s a winner,” she said.
Hergenreder is ready for any last-minute Christmas shoppers and those looking for stocking-stuffers as Christmas Day nears. Christmas and cardinal themes are popular, plus there are just some fun, unique items for perusal. Sports flags plus additional state and local fan items are also available in Memories. There seems to be something for everyone from farm decor to toys, children’s gifts, and items usable all year round.
“We still sell a lot of the fun socks, I’ve got this real interesting Luxe Charm Bar where you can design your own personalized necklaces with gold-plated charms, and the (food) dips are again a big hit,” Hergenreder said.
Jalapeno cheese dips were hot items last year and remain popular. A new variety, snickerdoodle cheese dip, is getting a lot of attention at Hergenreder’s snack counter.
Open hours at Memories remain 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and special 1-5 p.m. Sunday hours through December.
