For Durangoans who would prefer 365 days of Christmas rather than the traditional 12, you’re in luck.
Denise Timmsen has opened Christmas in Durango at 108 E. Fifth Street, near the train depot, located next door to her sister-in-law Julie Dunn Brown’s re(Love) second-hand furniture store.
Timmsen moved from the Colorado Springs area, where she was an employee at Christmas in Manitou, a 365-day Christmas ornaments and decor store, and she thought the concept was perfect for Durango.
“I really loved the business model, I loved the store and loved the magic of the store, and I decided I wanted to relocate here and bring the same magic to Durango,” Timmsen said.
The owners of the Manitou Springs store helped Timmsen set up shop and provided her with vendors and suppliers.
Timmsen said the most difficult aspect of opening the 800-square-foot space was two months spent remodeling.
She and her husband, John Cross, and friends put in wood floors, painted and put in fixtures.
“It was definitely a learning process,” she said.
The store opened May 8, and so far sales have met Timmsen’s goals.
Some suppliers have been impacted by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, but Timmsen said she is pleased with the inventory she has.
Especially popular are ornaments that feature trains and steam engines – not surprising given the location near the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot.
Perhaps the most popular ornaments are made of Colorado beetle-kill pine that features steam engines.
“I can’t wait for the Polar Express,” Timmsen said.
Ornaments can also be personalized at the store with family member names and dates added by staff members onto the ornaments.
Timmsen has several artisan ornament makers supplying her from Colorado, including one from Durango. Other local makers of ornaments from New Mexico and Arizona also supply the store.
“We’re always looking for more local ornaments,” she said.
Al Harper, owner of D&SNG, has stopped by to introduce himself and to wish her well, Timmsen said.
She hopes to have carolers in front of the store come December to really boost the Christmas spirit.
Timmsen said she’s been particularly impressed by Durango’s business community.
Flower pots and the downtown ambassadors provided by the Durango Business Improvement District were unexpected bonuses, she said.
Timmsen’s dog, Kea, a Keeshond, is the official shop greeter.
The store is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
