Holiday Shopping Starting Early in Maplewood Village

Merchants of Maplewood Village are getting a head start on the holiday shopping season this year, holding the kick off for "Shop Maplewood Village for the Holidays" this Saturday, November 12.

It's a strategy that the employed when local merchants were determined not to be outdone by national retailers who had begun aggressive holiday marketing campaigns early in a tough economic environment.

"You'll find decorations popping up everywhere, seasonal merchandise on display, new menu items and free holiday gift wrapping available at many merchants," enthuses an email blast from the Maplewood Village Alliance promoting the event.

A notice on the Maplewood Village Alliance website continues, "The holidays are right around the corner and we’re kicking off the season with the Maplewood Village Holiday Open House,  Saturday, Nov.12th. Whether you are making your list or checking off your list, come into the Village and enjoy refreshments and sweet and savory treats while you shop and dine. Also, for your shopping convenience Late Night Thursdays will begin this week and run through December. Many shops will stay open later most evenings for your holiday shopping needs." Shoppers will need to check individual shops for hours.

Maplewood Village was already buzzing on Thursday night, Nov. 10, with a full house at listening to the jazz stylings of the local teenage trio The Collective, and Hanh Truong offering irrestible, adorable items for sale — including matching knitted animal hats and gloves — at .

Visit the Maplewood Village Alliance website for updates at http://maplewoodvillagenj.com.