Nov 23, 2010

Stepping up to step backBy Steve TarterPJStar.com

Washington — It’s not just malls and shopping centers that prepare for a stampede of holiday shoppers at this time of year.

Stores such as the Step Back in Time gift shop, 116 N. Main St., on the square in Washington, also look forward to this season.

“Starting the first week of November, it starts to get busy,” said Jeanine Knabe, store manager the past 21 years.

You won’t find the hot new toys or high-tech gadgetry here. Owned by Sharon and Marvin Nieukirk, Step Back in Time offers an array of antiques, gifts and painted furniture, said Knabe.

Prices range from 50 cents for an ornament to some furniture pieces that cost between $500 and $600, she said.

“We have 50 dealers. When a big piece sells, we call the dealer and they bring something else,” said Knabe.

As for holiday shoppers, those that come to Step Back “are looking for something unique, for something unusual,” she said.

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