The holiday spirit
Familiar shop is as much a part of Christmas as Santa Claus
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 10:26 AM PST
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| Sherrie Holmes (left), Ontario, makes a purchase at the Hickory Farms Store in West Park Plaza, with the help of Lolanne Hanson, clerk. Hanson said working at the Hickory Farms store is a fun way to earn a little money. |
ONTARIO — Hickory Farms beef sticks and cheeses are just as much a part of the holiday season as Christmas trees and carols, but no one really seems to know how long the company has assigned a store to the Ontario area during Christmas.
What is evident, though, is the popularity of Hickory Farms.
Hickory Farms employee Kayela Cant, Weiser, said, as the holiday season progresses, the demand picks up.
“It’s slow this time of year,” she said. “As it gets closer to Christmas, it gets busier and busier.”
Lyana Hauser, Fruitland, a Hickory Farms clerk for 10 years, said the Hickory Farms store has always been in West Park Plaza even though the facility has been almost empty the past few years.
This year, the Hickory Farms shop has Sears and Honks Dollar Store for neighbors.
Sometimes, there is a small crowd in the store as families often come together, and there is just one or two people trying to decide what to buy.
“We’re holding our own,” Hauser said Monday afternoon.
The beef stick is probably the most popular item, Cant said.
“It’s kind of our trademark,” she said.
Another popular item is smoked cheddar cheese, she said.
“Mostly the beef sticks, cheese balls and spreads,” Lolanne Hanson, Ontario, who was clerking for her first season, said.
The Ontario Hickory Farms Outlet opened at the end of October, a bit earlier than usual, but its normal operation is November and December. Hickory Farms Clerks typically work about three to fours hours, Cant said.
“It’s just to earn a little extra money for Christmas.” Cant said. Hanson agreed.
“I wanted something fun to do to earn money for Christmas,” she said.
Cant, who works at a coffee shop in Weiser, is going into the Idaho National Guard, with plans to be a combat medic. Her future goal is be firefighter/para-medic.
As usual there is a wide range of package sizes and prices, those boxes are looking different this year, and in fact the store has taken on a different look.
