"Hertel Holidays" shopping event

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Where else will the store owners serve you hot cider, wine, and snack trays while you shop?

If you haven't visited Hertel Avenue recently, you may find it's a whole lot different than what you remember.

Blend together unique gifts, local merchants, and some good, old-fashioned holiday cheer, and there you have 'Hertel Holidays.'

This two-day event is designed to lure shoppers to Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo.

Karen Worczak, the Nik Nak Express Co-owner says, "It's amazing. It draws people to the area for the holidays. But then, it also gives them a little chance to come in and look at these stores, instead of going to all 'big box."

Hertel has struggled in recent years, with vacant storefronts and a lack of foot traffic.

Recently, however Hertel is redefining itself; new faces have begun moving in and established businesses are finding new energy.

One of the newcomers is Meridian West Art Gallery, where you can buy paintings and sculptures by Buffalonian artists.

Meridian West Art Gallery Co-owner, Nancy Clarke Marian says, "Many times, people like to put posters on their walls. And posters are fine, but why not buy from people in your own neighborhood, from artists who exist in your own neighborhood? Why not have an original piece of artwork on your wall?"

"Hertel is really an up-and-coming area. It's kind of been just below the radar for the last 20 or 30 years, but I think it's time for Hertel Avenue to explode," said George Grace, the Meridian West Art Gallery Co-owner.

Hertel is not just a place. It's an experience.

Worczak says, "If you haven't been here before, try us. You'll always come back. Whether it's the Winter Walk; and it could be Italian Fest; it could be anything that Hertel does. You'll find the old home feeling."

Most of these small business owners rely on word of mouth to attract new customers, not big expensive advertising campaign.

They'd definitely appreciate your patronage. As Nancy, over at the art gallery, put it, "If the sign says 'Open,' come on in."