Only two?more shopping days until Christmas! And two more days to put the finishing touches on your tree or add special new holiday mementos to your collection.

Stop by Red Barn Mercantile before 2 p.m. Christmas Eve to get 25% off all Holiday Decorations, including the carved wooden and wool and felt ornaments featured in the Washington Post.

Yes, we’ll be closing early on Christmas Eve, and I know everybody is in a big rush to squeeze in those last-minute purchases, so we’ve marked down all our holiday items on RedBarnMercantile.com too. The discount applies while supplies last, and online purchases of more than $75 will receive free shipping through the end of December.

We’ll be closed Christmas and open during regular business hours through New Years Eve.

It’s been great to see so many of you and to personally wish you happy holidays. Thank you for your support and encouragement and I look forward to serving you in 2009. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the store, let me take this opportunity to wish you all the best this holiday season and good fortune in the New Year.

See you soon,

Amy

In case you missed it, NBC 4 did a really nice report on The Old Town Boutique District and I was lucky enough to be included in the story.

I always hate seeing myself on camera, but they got some nice shots of the store and the message is an important one: Shop Local!

Here’s the video, see for yourself …

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So why is shopping local so important?

Well as Jim Vance mentions at the end of the segment, each dollar spent in a local shop circulates through the economy about three times — it’s given to employees, employees buy locally, sales taxes are generated, rents are paid, etc.

Study after study has shown that more money stays in the local community when you buy locally. And even a small adjustment by a large number of people can have a big impact, as this chart from Yes magazine illustrates:

In these difficult economic times, buying local and supporting local merchants, local businesses and local employees is even more important.

From now through the end of December, RedBarnMercantile.com is offering free shipping on all orders of $75 or more, except furniture items.

We know you want to share the great goodies you find at Red Barn with your friends and family far away, and we want to make it easier for you. Choose from items on our new Featured Gifts page or from any of the items on our web site (except furniture) and we’ll do the packing and shipping for you.

But don’t delay. If you want special-order items, you’ll need to order them soon to get them in time for Christmas. For example, our darling tents and teepees from Barn Dandy must be ordered by December 8. So order now and you’ll get the shipping free.

Okay, I’m sure the big question on your mind is why can’t I get a break on furniture shipments? Because those items are shipped from the manufacturer, we have no control over the rates. Sorry.

At least you’ll save money on the pillows, lighting and other d?cor items you’ll need to make your room a comfy holiday haven.

Happy shopping!