What do you do when your store opens after the sign-up deadline for Christmas Through Lowell? Why, you create your own Christmas shopping event, of course.
That’s what Michelle Emaus decided to do with her new business Shabby Chicnanigans. “We opened after all printed materials were finalized for Christmas through Lowell,” she explains. “Instead, we are doing our own Christmas Chicnanigans.”
Running this weekend from 10am-6pm on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 18-19) and on Sunday (Nov. 20) from 11am-5pm, the event is a chance to check out the Shabby Chicnanigans store located behind Burger King on Main Street in a retail space next to Curtis Cleaners.
Shop Offers Items Not Found Elsewhere in Lowell
Emaus and her family have called Lowell home for 12 years, and she previously sold items through Flat River Cottage. With that business set to close at the end of the October, Emaus opened Shabby Chicnanigans on Oct. 7.
“The name came about when I began selling on Etsy,” she says. “I love shabby, chippy, architectural items and because it was more a hobby than paycheck, Chicnanigans seemed fitting.”
The move to the retail spot next to Curtis Cleaners was spurred by the need to move items out of Flat River Cottage. “This made better sense than putting all of our merchandise into storage,” according to Emaus. However, she is not sure how long the retail location will remain open.
For now though, shoppers can stop by and find many items that may not be sold by other businesses in town. The store’s inventory includes:
- Silipints
- Greeting cards
- Mixture candles
- Duke Cannon products
- Warmies
- Trendy items for the home
“We focus on unique, fun items – quirky, whimsical on-trend merchandise perfect for gift-giving or keeping for yourself,” Emaus says.
In addition to its Christmas Chicnanigans, Emaus has an event planned on Dec. 1 that is designed to help men find the perfect holiday gifts. Customers are welcome to visit in advance to create a wish list and then send their loved ones in on Dec. 1 to shop. “We will even offer gift-wrapping,” she notes. “A sort of ChicMANigans.”
Emaus says she was surprised by the time and energy required to open a retail storefront but appreciates the positive reception she has received. “We are thankful for the support of our friends and family as well as how welcoming the community has been,” she says.
To learn more about the business and upcoming events, visit the Shabby Chicnanigans Facebook page.
It’s a fun uplifting store that makes me smile & enjoy the the variety.