The fireworks have faded, the temperatures are nearing triple digits and the Folsom Pro Rodeo has come and gone, so it can only mean one thing… it’s Christmas! Well, not literally, but it’s a big deal at one store in Historic Folsom as Dorothea’s Shoppe brings back its long tradition this weekend known as Christmas in July.
“Christmas in July has become a pretty popular phrase and thing in many different places,since our store is about Christmas all year long it makes pretty sense that we celebrate it,” said Jim Metzker, who owns the unique store with his wife Sherri at 801 Sutter Street in Folsom. “It’s something we’ve done since we first bought the store and customers look forward to it each year.”
So how is Christmas in July celebrated at Dorothea’s? In the form of savings of course. This Saturday and Sunday only, all merchandise in the store is 20% off.
While the sale doesn’t start until they open their doors Saturday, Metzker is adding an early bird twist to the sale this year. “Anyone who comes in Friday and tells us they read this Folsom Times article and they can get the 20% off on Friday and beat the crowd. We like to make things fun, said Metzker.
Dorothea’s sells everything from Christmas decorations or fiesta ware, cards, candles and more, but their top seller in the shop are their unmatched assortment of Christmas ornaments. Everything in Dorothea’s is a special item that you more than likely will not find at your average department store. This weekend, all of it is on sale.
Born and raised in the Sacramento area, Jim and Sherri came to Folsom several years ago shortly after they purchased the business. To encourage customers to shop local, they too wanted to be local to the store they owned.
“We bought the store in March of 2014, shortly after that we moved from Orangevale to Folsom because we wanted to be in the town where we owned a business,” said Metzker.
Originally opened in 1965 by two sisters, Dorothea’s Shoppe is named after the girls’ third sister after they couldn’t settle on a name. There have been only two families who have owned Dorothea’s and the previous family is still involved with the beloved shop.
“They come in and shop, and one of them actually has comes back around Christmas time and works for us. They absolutely love the store, love what we have done with the store, the history of it,” said Metzker.
Ornaments that can be customized is one of the many unique qualities the shop is known for. They stock a plethora of collectible brands including the well-known brands like Jim Shore, Old World Christmas and Steinbach.
Throughout the year, holiday gift items from Disney, Holly Adler Nutcrackers and Kurt Adler and Department 56 adorn the shelves. One of the most unique sections of the store is even stocked with items that represent the community of Folsom.
Among them are Johnny Cash coffee mugs, various ornaments, magnets and clothing as well as those featuring the iconic Rainbow Bridge and more. They even have ornaments commemorating local high schools and colleges.
“It’s an absolute experience; it’s not like your standard brick and mortar.We have created an experience that you just can’t get online. We have so many loyal customers that come back, its about the experience. If you walk out of here in a bad mood, it’s your own fault,” Metzker mused.
Dorothea’s is open seven days a week form 10 am until 5 pm and occasionally will stay open late during special events in the Historic District. For more information on the history of the store you can visit www.dorotheas.com. However, to shop for their unique products, visiting the location is an absolute must, whether you do it this weekend and save or any other time of the year.
Top Photo: Jim Metzker( right) and Santa (left) discuss Christmas in July coming to Dorothea’s Shoppe this weekend. Photo by Bill Sullivan
