The Richland Mall was the destination on Christmas Eve for a number of reasons, particularly shopping. But there was also a blood drive and photos with Santa.
Debbie Burchett of Johnsville stopped by Richland Mall to pick up some last minute gifts and to be a donor for the blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross.
“I stopped by Sears and I want to stop in Bath N’ Body Works. I have five granddaughters and they just love that store,” said Burchett.
Burchett jumped on her Christmas shopping back in July.
“I usually start my shopping in July or August and I am usually completely finished by Thanksgiving. I shopped on Thanksgiving at WalMart. I got there at 4 p.m. and I was able to purchase a 32 inch television for $100. This year, I am just picking up some other gifts because I am giving blood today,” Burchett added.
Shopper Becky Holden from the Mansfield area was also giving blood. “I am here to give blood today. I stopped by Toys”R”Us here in the mall to pick up some last minute gifts. I finished my shopping about two or three weeks ago. I was able to finish most of my shopping here,” said Holden.
“The deals are always good on Black Friday, but on Christmas Eve the deals get a little better because shoppers need to purchase those last minute gifts,” said Holden.
The “Ultimate Gift Blood Drive” hosted by the American Red Cross was held at the Richland Mall on Christmas Eve. “We have been doing this blood drive on Christmas Eve for over ten years.
“There is always a really good turnout. We have 75 donors on the schedule for today and we have about ten employees working,” said Donor Recruitment Representative Bill Doenla.
Doenla noted that there was a recent blood drive held at Main Street United Methodist Church. “Yesterday we had a blood drive to benefit Brandon Tricoff to help him receive his Eagle Badge. We had 111 people who donated and 133 turn out. It was a great turnout,” said Doenla.
Inside the Richland Mall, some special vendors were set up for business during the holidays. JewelryByBelieve, owned by Larry Fuller of New London, set up shop in the Richland Mall for the first time this year.
“We set up here on November 23 and we had a slow start at first, but it has gotten a lot busier leading up to Christmas,” said designer Kathyann Fuller. JewelryByBelieve has bracelets, lockets, and handmade winter hats on display.
“Our number one seller has been the Believe Locket. People can pick out charms that are special to them and they can be placed inside the locket. We have had quite a few women stop by and write down what charms they would like in their locket and then they give it to their husbands to come pick everything out. It has been a huge seller,” said Kathyann Fuller.
“Our Believe Bracelets have a handmade chain and then customers can pick out what charms they would like. My specialty is the bracelets,” said Kathyann Fuller.
Larry Fuller said that JewelryByBelieve travels around the state to different festivals and fairs. “We have been to Loudonville, Erie County Fair, Huron County Fair, and Seneca County Fair. When we are finished with this season we will take some time off and then in May we will start it all over again. This past week has just been awesome,” said Fuller.
One other vendor that was set up in the mall had some special treats to offer. Owner of Pet Products Stephen Docy had a wide variety of pet gifts on display.
“We have been here for the past five years and this has been our best selling year yet. We have noticed that each year our sales have increased,” said Docy.
Docy said that collars, leashes, and harnesses are all manufactured by his business. “We offer some designs that can only be found through us. We make and design our products specifically for ourselves,” said Docy.
“Our biggest seller would probably be dog chews and a lot of people stop by to buy clothes for their pets. We have sold out of a few items this year,” said Docy. Docy also offers bird cages, strollers for pets, and some products for cats.
