The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Boutique shops host Fall Harvest
Boutique shops Magnolia Blossom located at 34600 Lakeshore Blvd. in Eastlake and Sweet Magnolia, located at 32600 Vine St. in Willowick, hosted their Fall Harvest. The two stores, both owned by Barb Auvil, started their events at 11 a.m. and went to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19.
Auvil said the harvest allows over 40 vendors to bring in items to sell to community members. In the parking lot of Magnolia Blossom, three vendors sat at tables to sell their items.
“We advertise and everybody brings in their fall stuff,” Auvil said. “People bring in all their fall of items for people to purchase and decorate their homes.”
Auvil said the event allows community members and local vendors to come together, especially during the pandemic. Auvil said
her stores follow proper guidelines and create a safe environment for customers.
“It’s getting people out of the house,” Auvil said. “A lot of people are nervous with the big box stores. They feel safe in our stores. They’re not overcrowded.”
Debbie Petschauer, owner of Nature’s Design, said the fall harvest makes up for the cancellation of local craft events.
“There’s no craft shows this year because of COVID,” Petschauer said. “If people want real gifts, where else can you go? This is the place to come to find something that’s real.”
Petschauer said events such as the fall harvest allow for social interaction where local vendors can come together and get to know each other, so being able to host an event during the pandemic creates a friendly atmosphere.
“We’ve made friends with each other,” Petschauer said.
Judi Kemmerling, owner of Calista Paints, said having the harvest event not only allows for social interaction, but it supports small, local businesses, especially during the global pandemic.
“People are buying locally and not online,” Kemmerling said. “It’s not just that we are selling things, it’s that we’re also taking care of our neighbors and listening for anybody in need.”
Auvil said that those who purchased items were given gift baskets and had their name put in a raffle. The two stores will give away four raffle baskets, Auvil said.