If you haven’t been to Village Pointe in West Omaha recently, there’s no better time than at the holidays. In its 15th holiday season, Village Pointe goes well beyond shopping to offer complete experiences with restaurants, services, and numerous family friendly events. Not only does the mix of stores offer something for everyone, many are one and only stores to Nebraska, which makes Village Pointe a unique lifestyle shopping center.
“Everything you need. Everything they want.” That’s Village Pointe’s holiday shopping slogan for the season, and it’s what all the retailers in the center work towards. Marketing Director Amy Houston said many of their stores have taken on a “shopper-driven experience” by holding in-store events throughout the holidays. As a center, Village Pointe has a number of events planned for the month of December, including complimentary carriage rides sponsored by Core Bank, story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and its partnership with the Omaha Jaycees to provide gifts for children in need. The Funny Bone Comedy Club will also have a family-friendly show recommended for kids ages 10+ on December 22nd.
Kendra Scott, one of the center’s newest stores, is offering a 15% discount the week of December 6th to anyone who brings in a toy to donate to Toys for Tots. The first in Nebraska, Kendra Scott offers a range of jewelry for all ages and budgets, and is known for its Kendra Scott Color Bar™, which allows customers to create custom jewelry in minutes and then leave with it in hand.
Five years ago Sondra Gerber brought her gifts and home décor store, Blue Pomegranate, to Village Pointe from Benson. She was attracted by the events they held, as well as the fact it has a small town look and feel. “It’s a beautiful location with the landscaping, outdoor fireplaces, fountains, and holiday decorations,” she said. Blue Pom, as its customers call it, features handmade gifts and art by American and local makers. Gerber herself was named runner-up for the 2018 Handmade Entrepreneur of the year by Handmade Business Magazine.
For the 5th holiday season in a row, Blue Pom is partnering with Village Pointe in a “Gift with Purchase” program. When a customer spends more than $200 anywhere in the center and brings in their receipt to Blue Pom, they will receive a handmade ornament from Gerber. “We believe that shopping should be an experience that makes you feel special,” she said. “Our customers come into the store for stories and for smiles.”
Another store known for its unique experience is Scheels. Whether it’s the famous Ferris wheel, handmade fudge, or the second story gift lodge, the one-stop shop caters to all shoppers offering items from hunting and golf to shoes and clothing. “Our stores are unique because of the variety of items we offer in a great family environment,” said Matt Jochum, Assistant Store Leader.
Personalized gifts are always popular, and several stores offer unique ideas. Yankee Candle can put a photo on a candle in-store while you wait. Coach offers complimentary monogramming and gift wrap. And many stores have their own line of Husker apparel. Luxury items are also popular—Bed Bath & Beyond now features an Ugg home line that includes bedding, throws, and pet beds. And for the person that tends to be hard to shop for, a Village Pointe gift card, available in the Management Office or online, is available in any increment and is good at all 60 stores, restaurants, services, and at the movie theater.
Houston said shopping at Village Pointe isn’t just about checking off a list of gifts you need to buy; it’s about taking the time to enjoy the holiday season. “It’s about going to an event with your family, dining out, and donating to charity all at the same time. It’s not just about buying, it’s about having a whole holiday experience.”
