Editor’s note: MyEverettNews.com is working to introduce our readers to more independent business owners here in Everett, Washington. We want to highlight their businesses, tell their stories and invite you to shop locally and help move Everett forward. If you know of a business we should feature, send us a suggestion via email: news@myeverettnews.com. Leland Dart – Publisher
Mary Elmore opened the store in 1978. Here she’s next to a tree filled with Christopher Radke ornaments.
Mary had always loved Christmas and Christmas decorations, “I thought the house was appropriate for Christmas,” Mary said. “We opened the day after Thanksgiving starting with just $1,000.00 in inventory.”
Forty-four years later there’s a lot more inventory but even more charm, wonder and joy in the little house known as Christmas Gifts on Broadway.
Mary was working as a nurse and managed the shop in her off hours. She continued at that pace until retiring from nursing after 50 years.
“I try to have people experience the spirit of Christmas,” Mary told me as she was opening up shop today. “It’s more than just selling things.”
The shop is open a few days-a-week around the year for other Holidays including Easter, Christmas in July and Halloween. Mary and her staff will now be there every day until Christmas from 11 AM – 4 PM.
Christmas Gifts on Broadway is in a little house at 3224 Broadway in Everett, Washington.
There are shelves filled with dolls.
Be sure to stop by “Bear Corner”
There are many trees around the shop filled with ornaments.
Monica (l) and Gaylen (r) with Mary (c) are daughters of her first customers, Joan and Larry Ames back in 1978.
Tiny trains, trucks and more atop the stove in the kitchen.
Check out the selection of classic books and games.
Yes, you can buy the ornaments right off the trees.
While many have driven by the store on Broadway without giving it a second look, others have made shopping here an annual tradition. From Bellingham to Seattle and beyond, Mary’s customers have made the trip to Everett for more than four decades to enjoy this special place.
Monica and Gaylen are sisters whose parents, Joan and Larry Ames were the first customers at Mary’s store on that day after Thanksgiving in 1978. Born and raised in this area they moved out of State and told us at least one family member has come to the store every year. Both have relocated back to the Pacific Northwest and were here on Saturday making the annual visit to catch up with Mary and create more memories.
Purchases are hand-wrapped and your receipt is hand-written. Christmas Gifts on Broadway accepts all major credit cards and have been known to ship items to former customers who have moved out of State but keep in mind, there’s no online presence. This Christmas experience is one to enjoy in person.
The store is located at 3224 Broadway in Everett, Washington. Their phone number is (425) 252-4792. Now until Christmas they are open 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
November 12, 2022
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