ROCKPORT — Communities and businesses across the Coastal Bend area are having to find ways to capture the Christmas dollars this year.
In downtown Rockport, small business Rowdy Maui, has been in business for 14 years. Selling t-shirts, paintings, and homemade knick nacks.
The owner of Rowdy Maui, Kacie Mahlmann, survived Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and is now trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We couldn't get canvases and a lot of warehouses were shut down so you couldn't get anything now things are reopened we're able to get things more but trying to keep up with the demand and still being mindful that you know we still could close down at any moment there could be another bad hit for our town, and we could be closed for who knows how long," said Mahlmann.
The uncertainty has made it difficult for business owners but this Christmas season Mahlmann is positive December won't hurt them financially.
"We don't really know what to expect we're hoping for a really good month I'm really pushing for online sales and we have a few local events that we're hoping will really bring people in."
Although some holiday events had to be changed, the Chamber of Commerce expects businesses to make it through this season.
"We've come up with a Christmas on the Beach Drive Through Light Display. Those dollars coming and circulating into our community in a positive way has really kept a lot of our businesses afloat," said Diana Probst, President/CEO Chamber of Commerce.
Rowdy Maui like many other businesses is thinking outside the box in order to bring in some customers especially during the holidays.
"Just trying to counteract that with different sales, giveaways things like that to keep peoples spirits up," said Mahlmann.
Some events in Rockport this month include:
- Christmas on the Beach a drive-thru holiday light display at the end of Rockport Beach, Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
- The Rockport Tropical Christmas Fireworks on Dec.5 beginning at dusk invites the community to Rockport Beach Park for the annual Christmas Tree lighting followed by a fireworks display.
- On Dec.12 Downtown Rockport will celebrate the 6th Annual Christmas in the District. The community can enjoy an evening of Christmas cheer, caroling and shopping at all the local businesses.