LANCASTER, N.Y. — Like a scene out a Hallmark movie, Christmas in The Village of Lancaster is special. Crystal Newman would know. She owns the Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe. “And that’s the best part of working here,” she said. “Seeing the kids and their excitement when they see Santa Clause.”
But like most other things this year, 2020 has taken its toll on Newman and every business around her.”It was COVID and then it was construction,” Newman said. In midst of a global pandemic, Christmas is going to be a whole lot quieter. READ MORE


‘It would be financially devastating’: Small shops face closure during busiest season

Crystal Newman, owner of Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe in Lancaster, is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

“I’m trying to stay positive,” she said. “I’m nervous.”On the bright side, customers have been extra supportive. They shopped Bloomsbury for curbside pickup during the first shutdown, even when they didn’t need anything. READ MORE