The Leader • Saturday, January 4, 2020 • Page 1B
Shopping season successful for area stores By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
Christmas is about giving, spending time with family and much more. But for retailers, it’s about how many consumers will buy from them and how much they will spend during the weeks that follow Thanksgiving. About 190 million people across the United States began their holiday shopping on Black Friday, or the day after Thanksgiving, which is traditionally the start of the holiday shopping season. According to CNBC.com, last year retail sales during the shopping season, excluding auto sales, increased 3.4 percent. The big story this year was the rise of online sales, which increased 18.8 percent. Even with the growth of e-commerce sales, local shops weren’t left out of the increase of retail sales. So while online sales grew, so did the traffic inside some local shops. Brandy Schochler, the manager at Big Blue Whale, 237 W. 19th St., said that this was a record year for the store. She credits it mostly due to the store hitting its five-year mark in the community and thus being more established and well-known. “Also, people come in and say they want to shop local,” Schochler said. “They’d rather do it here than online. I think people like to see the stuff in store and see what they’re actually buying.” The sentiment was echoed by Miguel Vences of We Olive & Wine Bar, 249 W. 19th St. “Online you can get a lot of stuff, but you’re limited by only seeing what it is,” Vences said. “Most people like using more than just one of their senses.” When buying clothes, for example, people want to not only see the garment, but feel the fabric and try it on. Vences said that he’s seen a climb
Photo by Zarah Parker Debbie Hoelscher shops at Jubilee, a boutique on West 19th Street in the Heights. Stores in the area and across the country had a profitable shopping season.
in sales from last year and the year before. He also said while it’s due to people wanting to do more than just see a product, the increase is also because the store sells specialty items you normally won’t find on-
line. For We Olive, its most successful night in terms of sales is White Linen Night, which was in August last year. However, Holiday on 19th Street, which occurred in early De-
cember, provided equivalent sales. “We did really well this season,” said an employee of Manready Mercantile, 321 W. 19th St. “In a store like this it’s all about the experience of the actual store. We have really
cool products, and people come in to make a candle, have a drink while they’re here. It’s just part of the experience. It’s not just getting an item. It’s the fun that goes along with it.”
FREDRICK’S AUTO REPAIR
BUSINESS BRIEFS:
If You Have a Good Honest Mechanic Mechanic...
Top Knot Salon to close By Betsy Denson
KEEP HIM!! !!
If Not, Call
832-884-4169 69 Hampton Inn and Suites Houston I-10 Central where our clean and fresh beds are waiting for you
betsy@theleadernews.com
Stylist Kathryn Thompson announced the closing of Oak Forest’s Top Knot Salon on Facebook. “January 25, 2020, will be the last day of Top Knot Salon,” the post read. “I want to thank everyone for the continuous love and support over the last year. It has been a fun ride but the decision has been made to permanently close.” Thompson said that all of the stylists would be moving to other locations and that Glo Girl will operate inside the salon until the end of January. In November 2018, Haum Salon’s Joey Cox announced that he had sold Haum Salon to Thompson. 33 1/3 @ Thirtyfourth to start on Phase 2 by fall Developer Chris Hotze announced online a timeframe for the opening of Phase 2 of his retail complex, called 33 1/3 @ Thirtyfourth, at the corner of 34th Street and Ella Boulevard. Hotze said the one-story, 9,000 square feet space will be ready by the fall of 2020. “There is a great deal of interest on the corner and the focus has transitioned to a more permanent use that creates a destination and sense of community with a quality retail tenant,” Hotze said in August. “The increased restaurant density and high traffic flow in the area make the corner extremely sought after.” After-Christmas sale at Threadfare Threadfare Children’s Boutique, at 3415 Oak Forest Dr., announced its after-Christmas sale. Shop online at www. threadfare.com and in store for 40-75 percent off. New promotion at Move Yoga Move Yoga announced its MOVE. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM promotion. Practitioners can sign up for 10 classes (MOVE), 20 classes (INSPIRE) or 30 classes (TRANSFORM) throughout the month of January. On Jan. 31, yogis and yoginis will receive a surprise from Move for
Me
HAPPY
2020
Houston I-10/Central 5820 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77007 713-869-9211
In the neighborhood
www.houstoni10centralsuites. hamptoninn.com
3,500 Sq Ft Flexible Meeting Space We charge the ideal rate for Social, Military, orr Corp Corporate gatherings Milita Mil itary ita ry, y Religious y, Relig Re lig giou iouss o C orp pora orate te gat g hering her ing gs
Complimentary Hot Breakfast, WiFi and Parking g
Ask for The Leader discount to save 20% on your next stay
George G. Junkin, D.C. - NW Chiro Contributed photo Move Yoga, located at 1355 Judiway St., Suite A-2, is offering a MOVE. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM promotion for January.
“Treat the problem itself, not just the symptoms.” This is the philosophy behind the chiropractic practice of Dr. George Junkin. Chiropractic adjustments and healthy lifestyle choices produce the best results. For over 35 years, Dr. Junkin has helped patients get releif from pain due to an injury or chronic condition. The result being fast long-lasting relief. 11500 NW Fwy. Suite #201 • Houston, TX 77092 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
Contributed photo Hand-rolled sushi is now available at Hando, 518 W. 11th St.
whatever level is completed. A grand prize of 30 days unlimited yoga to keep or gift to a friend will be raffled off for everyone who completes 30 classes. Stop by the studio at 1355 Judiway St. Suite A-2 to sign up. Christmas décor 50 percent off at Lucy’s Nutcrackers, ornaments, nativity scenes, puzzles and more are offered at half-off. Lucy’s Boutiques and Gifts is located at 915 N. Shepherd Dr.
Suite F.
Contributed photo Christmas decor is 50 percent off at Lucy’s, 915 N. Shepherd Dr. Suite F.
Hando now open in Heights Hand-rolled sushi is now available at Hando, 518 W. 11th St. Jason Andaya, who runs the venture with partners Rishi Patel and Ray Chan, said in March that he wanted to change the perception that going out for sushi has to be an event. “It can be a quick bite,” said Andaya, whose restaurant doesn’t take reservations. Hando offers hand rolls, or
temaki, which differs from the cut rolls that are often pictured in magazines. Hando occupies an end cap space in Revive Development’s 5,200 square foot buildout of a former industrial warehouse. The restaurant is 1,200 square feet with a Ushaped bar so patrons can watch chefs prepare sushi in the open. Have something for Business Briefs? E-mail betsy@theleader news.com.
Dedicated to helping businesses improve their workspaces.
OUR SERVICES • Office reconfiguration • Removal of old furniture and fixtures • Furniture assembly • Installation of wall monitors, televisions and heavy wall fixtures • Furniture set-asides for installation of floor covering • Cubicle breakdown and removal • Cubicle Installation • Vacated office cleanout
Got a room that G h looks k like i this? i ? We can help.
FREE QUOTES (713) 371-3730
Page 2B • Saturday, January 4, 2020 • The Leader
Photo by Betsy Denson Jamie Mueller, left, and her mother, Jill Rimes, peruse the offerings recently at Lucy’s Boutique and Gifts at 915 N. Shepherd Dr., Suite F.
Local boutique has heart for giving back By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
Jackie Sanders and her daughter, Lucy Gale, often talked about what kind of boutique they would like to have. First, it would offer clothes that both mothers and daughters would feel stylish wearing. And for the moms, a place to sit down was a must. Heading up their own store was a common dream for the pair. But when Gale died in an automobile accident at age 16, Sanders wasn’t sure she would be able to do it without her “LuBug.” It wasn’t until she moved to the Heights and fell in love with the neighborhood and its people that she made their dream a reality. “I’ve been doing retail since I was 16,” Sanders said. “I always wanted to have my own.” Lucy’s Boutique and Gifts, located at 915 N. Shepherd Dr. Suite F in a former Radio Shack location, has been open since 2017 and is developing a following in the neighborhood. “(But) I still think there’s a lot of people who don’t know we’re here,” Sanders said. First-time shoppers Jamie Mueller and her mom, Jill Rimes, commented on the variety of items at Lucy’s. “We love it,” Mueller said.
“There are so many random little things that would make great gifts.” Rimes said the range of merchandise available at Lucy’s reminded her of the long-closed Kaplan’s Ben Hur Department Store in the Heights. Sanders said they do their best to pack in as much as possible in their existing space as well as to offer a range of price points on clothing and gifts. “Lucy wanted a place where everybody could shop,” Sanders said. “The things I pick out are things she would have liked. My sister helps me with the clothes.” Gale’s spirit also lives on in the store’s altruism. “She never met a stranger and would do anything for anybody,” Sanders said. Lucy’s has partnered with Santa Maria Hostel, one of Texas’ largest multi-site residential and outpatient substance use disorder treatment centers for women. The boutique donated more than $25,000 in merchandise to help these women restart their lives. “When we finish our sidewalk sale, we donate everything to the women in recovery,” Sanders said. Items help the women spruce up their apartments, and the new clothes from
Lucy’s come in handy during job interviews and to give their babies something cute to wear. “(The women) are very appreciative,” Sanders said. “They took a photo of themselves wearing the clothes and signed it and framed it for me. It’s hanging in the store.” Sanders also works with area schools and donates to Kickstart Kids, a character development program started in 1990 by actor and martial artist Chuck Norris. Aside from Lucy’s sidewalk sales, there are other in-store fun events. Gale’s birthday – Jan. 19 – will be a celebration with sales. Sanders said she is glad that the family forged ahead to open Lucy’s – despite the fact that their home flooded three months after they purchased it, because of Hurricane Harvey. “The girls (who work here) say they’ve never worked anywhere like this before,” Sanders said. “It’s supposed to be fun.” Find Lucy’s on Facebook and at ilovelucys.com.
NEVER MISS A STORY THELEADERNEWS.COM
Photo by Betsy Denson Jill Rimes, left, and her daughter, Jamie Mueller shop at Lucy’s Boutique and Gifts in the Heights.
Get your “To-Do” list done at your convenience Some of our Services Painting/Staining Decks/Fences Gutter Cleaning/Repair Patch drywall (Sheetrock) TV Wall Mount Installation Furniture Assembly/Repair Door Install/Repair/Adjustments Doorknob/Lock Installation
* AND MUCH MORE - Just ask!
(713) 686-4936 www.ItJustBroke.com A division of Home Hands Group LLC
Get Your Business
MOVING Run your ad in The Leader. Call to get started
713.686.8494
The Leader • Saturday, January 4, 2020 • Page 3B
Condo for Sale
Three reasons why cats scratch and what you can do to cope communicate, they can leave a “visual calling card” for other cats with the marks left when they scratch, especially on a vertical surface. Cats might choose corners of couches or highly visible zones at cat height--anywhere that would be immediately obvious to an interloper. • It’s a way to mark where they’ve been and who they are. Pheromones are actually chemicals that carry messages. They are not technically odors since they are perceived by another organ
Dear Tabby, Our cat scratches on everything! Our furniture, our carpet, even our metal bed frame! Why does he do this and what can we do about it? Sick of the Scratching in Forest West Dear Sick of the Scratching, Scratching on things is a very normal part of being a cat. In the wild, a cat will scratch on trees or the ground in order to mark his territory and sharpen his claws, but our little “lions in the living room” have to make do with what household furnishings have to offer in the way of scratching opportunities. More often than not, this can cause some problems in the home when kitty’s clawing becomes destructive. First up, let’s explore why cats scratch: • Scratching keeps cats happy and healthy. Scratching is like “cat yoga” in a way -- it just feels good. The same muscles that are used for the scratch-stretch are the ones that cats need to climb and run. Scratchstretching keeps the muscles from cramping and becoming stiff or painful. Scratching is a good way for a cat to loosen up his muscles after sleep, too. Cats love scratching options that they can grip slightly with their claws to help smooth rough edges and improve circulation to their toes and nail beds and also gain some resistance when they stretch...just like resistance bands for us. • Cats communicate with other cats through scratching. Whether it’s a way to mark their territory or just
than the nose. Cats can produce a pheromone between their toes that releases when they claw. This chemical leaves invisible messages for other cats. Humans cannot perceive these messages at all. In fact, not even dogs can. Pheromones seem to be species specific. So while it’s hard to ask your pet cat to stop doing something that he’s innately meant to do, you can offer him more acceptable places to scratch. A scratching post or cat tree is a fabulous place for cats to practice stretch-
on Georgi Lane
ing, exercising and scratching. If your cat just can’t get the hang of the cat scratcher and continues to scratch up your furniture, look into having claw covers applied to your cat’s claws to protect your furniture. And please, never consider declawing your cat! It’s an inhumane way to address this issue and only leads to other behavioral problems in the long run.
3 Bd/2Ba, one covered parking space, large closets, wood burning fireplace, large balcony w/ storage, French doors, double paned windows by Anderson, wooden blinds, all appliances, ceiling fans, chandeliers and drapery included. Next to St. Ambrose Catholic Church/school, public park, HISD elementary and high school in walking distance. Second floor flat, never flooded. Unit is approx. 1490 ft². Asking $135K.
Contact John Kelley 713-703-3669
New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam
FREE
Have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.
Routine Male Cat Neuters
49
$
Pet of the Week 40
Dog Rabies Vaccination
Years
$
of quality care for your family pets
8
75*
* With Wellness Exam
Call About Cat Vaccines
5315 Antoine@ Pinemont 713-688-9625 Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon
A Little Attention Can make a
BIG
Meet Mikey
impact
Mikey is a 5-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier who is full of love and snuggles. Mikey loves car rides, being brushed and is learning commands very quickly! He would love a home with a moderately energetic family who could play with him in the yard and work on his leash skills while on walks. If your New Year’s resolution is to fall in love with a dog, Mikey is your man. To learn more about Mikey, visit www.friends4life.org.
Call to get started
713.686.8494 A Reputation of Integrity since 1946 Give us a call
New Year Special i
Get Your Ride
Happy New Year
Ready for 2020 at Our New Garage g
Did you know that by doing regular maintenance you can extend the life of your car by 1000s of miles? Most models need special maintenance at 30K, 60K, 90K, 120K. Let us educate you!
To place an ad on the most popular page in the Leader, give us a call at (713) 686-8494 and ask for one of our professional sales executives
4610 46 10 0 N. N Shepherd Sh herd Sh Sheph d
Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Sat 8:00 am - 4:00pm
All Day – Everyday!
FAJITAS FOR TWO
2095
$
WITH THIS COUPON DINE IN ONLY.
VALID MON.-FRI. 3 PM TIL CLOSING AND ALL DAY SAT. AND SUN.NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS. Ad #OFFER 29544EXPIRES 1-11-20
Mexican Restaurant
5 OFF DINNER
DINE IN ONLY. THIS COUPON GOOD MON. THRU FRI. 3PM TIL CLOSING. THIS COUPON ALSO GOOD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 11:00 UNTIL CLOSING. EXCLUDES ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES 1-11-20
$20.00
TheLibertyGarage.com
FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS
Party Room Available Par
Buy One Dinner And Receive $5 Off Second Dinner Of Equal Or Lesser Value.
for only
and receive a 10% discount on recommended repairs
WELCOME
5305 Antoine @ Pinemont 53 713-682-3853
$
Pre-trip Check
Proudly Serving Our Community Men, Women and Children
Full Service Bar - 13 oz. Regular Margaritas $3.50 Carlos Is Back!
Get your car inspected for a
Like us on Facebook/AdolfsGarage Expire 01-17-2020. Must present Coupon at time of service. Cannot combine with any other offer. Limited time offer.
• LIMIT THREE COUPONS PER TABLE •
Mexican Restaurant
713.695.50711
Redeem for
5 Off
$
2217 W. 34th St. Suite E 77018 • 713-497-5498 valorbarbershop.com
WHEN IT COMES TO
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
ADNORESULTS ONE ELSE STACKS UP
ESTABLISHED 1936
FREE DONUTS FREE KOLACHE Buy a dozen donuts, get a kolache free.
Buy a dozen glazed donuts, get 6 glazed free.
The Leader reaches more houses with more readers so you get more response!
Put Us To Work For You:
713-686-8494
Good at this location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.
3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.
Authentic Mej icano Cuisine
20% OFF TICKET up to $10.00
With this coupon • Dine In Only • Expires 1-11-20 DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS BAR FACILITIES TAKE-OUT ORDERS AVAILABLE
Mexican Restaurant
OFF SECOND ENTREE $ 95 Buy 1 Dinner Get $4.95 OFF Second Dinner Dine-In Only. No Takeout Orders. Good 3-10 p.m. only. • Not available on Senior Citizens or Kids Menu • One coupon per table / one coupon per family ORIGINAL COUPON ONLY! No copies accepted • Must be presented before ordering • Expires 1-11-20
(Excludes alcoholic beverages)
2615 Ella Blvd. @ 27th
4
713-868-5232
OPEN Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm & Sunday 8 am - 4pm
(713) 682-4343
* Lunch Specials Daily * Take Out Orders Available * Complete Bar Facilities * Party Room Available (Seats 85)
Happy Hours: Mon-Thur 3-8
4618 Dacoma
(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)
(713) 680-0825
LIVE MUSIC Thursday - Sunday 6 til Close
THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, January 4, 2020 • Page 4B
Man shot in altercation with ex From Staff Reports An area woman approached by a pistol-wielding ex-boyfriend escaped his grasp and then shot him with her own gun, according to police. The Houston Police Department said Anthony Shoulders, 21, was shot in the neck after allegedly attempting to hold his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint early Dec. 23 at the Aspen
Apartments at 6150 W. Tidwell Rd. HPD said Shoulders was transported to a hospital with wounds that were not considered to be life-threatening. Police said the woman, identified only as being 23 years old, left the scene after the shooting and then reported it to HPD. No charges have been filed in the incident, pending further investigation, according to HPD.
Shoulders is the defendant in two ongoing domestic violence cases, according to Harris County court records. He was charged with misdemeanor assault of a family member for allegedly striking an ex-girlfriend with his hand in May 2018, and then charged with felony assault of a family member for allegedly choking another woman in April 2019.
Police Reports • Dec. 18 - 26 DEC. 18
Theft 5 PM 1900 BLOCK BEALL
DON’T BE A VICTIM! Concealed Handgun Classes
DEC. 19
Theft 12 PM 900 BLOCK N LOOP Theft 8 AM 8800 BLOCK N LOOP
WE BUY WE BUY ALL GUNS ALL GUNS CONSIGNMENTS NEW LOCATION WELCOME
2001 Karbach Suite F Houston, TX 77092
DEC. 20
Theft 9 PM 2500 BLOCK YALE Theft 10 PM 4400 BLOCK OXFORD Theft 12 PM 300 BLOCK PECORE Theft 4 PM 900 BLOCK WAKEFIELD Theft 9 PM 600 BLOCK RUTLAND
DEC. 21
Assault 6 PM 4100 BLOCK ROGERS Vandalism 3 PM 1100 BLOCK W 23RD Other 3 PM 1600 BLOCK CORTLANDT Assault 11 PM 1200 BLOCK W 19TH Assault 3 PM 3100 BLOCK WHITE OAK Assault 1 PM 2500 BLOCK ROY CIR Robbery 8 AM 4300 BLOCK OF AIRLINE DR
DEC. 22
Burglary 3 PM 4200 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 12 PM 100 NORTH LOOP WEST Assault 10 AM 2500 BLOCK AIRLINE Arrest 1 PM 4300 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 9 PM 2500 BLOCK SHEARN Assault 10 PM 5300 BLOCK WASHINGTON Assault 2 PM 600 BLOCK W CAVALCADE Theft 12 AM 5100 BLOCK
713-694-4867
BUY SELL TRADE
Gift Certificates
BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer FEAGAN Arrest 4 PM 3500 BLOCK OAK FOREST
DEC. 23
Arrest 10 PM 1300 BLOCK W LOOP Assault 11 AM 100 BLOCK CONOLY Theft 8 PM 700 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Assault 3 PM 2800 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 4 AM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Theft 7 PM 4400 BLOCK YALE Burglary 9 AM 2500 BLOCK DETERING Robbery 12 AM 7400 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Arrest 2 AM 4500 BLOCK LILLIAN
DEC. 24
Burglary 7 PM 300 BLOCK W 19TH Burglary 3 PM 700 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 5 PM 1600 BLOCK WALTON Theft 9 PM 5200 BLOCK PETTY Assault 4 PM 1600 BLOCK LAWRENCE Theft 6 AM 200 BLOCK E 27TH Robbery 4 PM 800 BLOCK
HEIGHTS BLVD Assault 5 PM 1400 BLOCK AIRLINE Robbery 1 PM 2800 BLOCK W T C JESTER Assault 1 PM 2800 BLOCK W T C JESTER Arrest 1 AM 5600 BLOCK IH 610 FWY N Theft 12 AM 4200 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS
DEC. 25
Assault 3 AM 1000 BLOCK DOROTHY Assault 2 PM 700 BLOCK E 37TH Theft 11 PM 200 BLOCK E 43RD Assault 4 AM 1200 BLOCK ENID Vandalism 4 AM 1200 BLOCK ENID Assault 6 AM 4400 BLOCK OXFORD Theft 10 AM 4600 BLOCK YALE Assault 8 PM 500 BLOCK VICTORIA Vandalism 11 AM 7200 BLOCK N SHEPHERD
DEC. 26
Burglary 2 AM 400 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 3 PM 900 BLOCK N LOOP Assault 12 AM 100 BLOCK CONOLY Theft 12 PM 700 BLOCK SUE BARNETT Theft 1 PM 1200 BLOCK N LOOP Other 11 AM 1300 BLOCK 27TH Theft 7 PM 900 BLOCK STUDEWOOD Assault 12 PM 600 BLOCK HARVARD Theft 12 PM 500 BLOCK GARDEN OAKS BLVD Other 1 AM 4200 BLOCK AIRLINE Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
For all your real estate needs, choose a knowledgeable
GREENWOOD KING AGENT with experience & expertise
Amanda Anhorn
Rich Anhorn
Alex Berry
Brigette Larson
Nancy Jane McMillan
Juli Moore
Jason Knebel
Camille McClendon
Dena Musfy
Jenny Puls
Shireen Wise
Linda King Julie Greenwood
Heights | Timbergrove | Garden Oaks | Oak Forest | Cottage Grove | Rice Military 1801 HEIGHTS BOULEVARD • 713.864.0888 • GREENWOODKING.COM