COLORADO SPRINGS — COLORADO SPRINGS — Most if not all local businesses have had to either close their doors, or limit their in-store capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"This year has thrown so many curveballs," said Carrie Baker, co-owner of Terra Verde.
Back in April, Rocky Mountain Soap Market had to close its doors for six weeks.
"We weren't quit sure what to expect with all the changes going on," said Cindy Puleo, manager of Rocky Mountain Soap Market.
Despite being closed for a limited time, and now having capacity restrictions, the store has seen a 20% increase in sales this holiday season compared to last years.
"In October things continued to pick up, so we knew people were starting to think about the holidays and wanting to be joyful in the beginning of the holiday season," said Puleo.
Even more surprising, Puleo says the stores sales are up by 7% for the year.
"As time went by and we continued to stay busy, and remain busy, and then got busier, we just plan to be busy and continue with that path as people come in," said Puleo.
Puleo says it's the community that has made it possible for the store to remain open.
The downtown community has been wonderful, everyone has been wonderful supporting the local communities and supporting local small businesses," said Puleo.
Just down the street from the Soap Market is Terra Verde. They too say the communities support has been incredible over the last couple of weeks.
"Customers ask us all the time how we are doing and they are constantly saying we want you guys to survive. We feel like we have a great team behind us," said Carrie Baker, co-owner of Terra Verde.
As the holiday season approached, Baker says she had to get a little creative to get more customers to come in.
Baker created "24 Days of Christmas," a holiday special where customers can receive sales on different items every day.
"Customers come in every day and tell me they saw what the special of the day was and when they leave they tell me they can't wait to come in tomorrow!" said Baker.
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