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For one shop on Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula, it’s Christmas every day.

Three years ago Gina Little opened Christmas 1497 Bonavista Inc., a store in the town of Bonavista that sells all things Christmas all year round. She said the busiest time is the months and weeks leading up to December 25.

No matter the season people visit, they’ll get the Christmas experience at Little’s store. 

“When you come in here — if you come in July, you come in February — you’re getting the Christmas spirit,” Little told CBC Radio’s The St. John’s Morning Show.

That spirit includes Christmas music too and though it might not be for everyone, Little said her staff don’t mind.

“The ladies that work for me are fantastic. They don’t complain about the music,” Little said.

Something for everyone 

The store offers a range of styles and prices, Little said, adding she’s noticed some items resonate with customers more than others.

“[It] reminds people of their childhoods, of their grandparents, of their mom and dad. The vintage ones are I think my favourite,” Little said. 

Bows have been popular amongst customers this year too, she said.

“I tell people whatever you love — you love the reds and golds? Go for it. If you love the pinks and greens, there’s so much different variety that you can do,” Little said. 

Little hopes she can spread some Christmas cheer with her store. 

“We have a lot of repeat customers. And I love the people that come in, and they’re having a hard day, and they listen to a bit of Christmas music and go around, and they tell me they feel better when they leave,” Little said. 

“That makes it so much more worth it for me.”

‘Give it a shot’

Little said every time she travels, she looks for a Christmas store, adding she’s not the only one who seeks out all things merry and bright on vacation either.

“We had tourists from all over the world this year,” Little said.

The store also offers shipping for folks who run out of room in their suitcases, she added.

Little said opening a Christmas store had been a dream of hers for a long time, though at first she wasn’t sure a shop like Christmas 1497 Bonavista Inc. would succeed in town. Still, she decided to forge ahead.

“The way our town has grown in the last 10 years, with online now being accessible, I thought I’d give it a shot,” Little said.

Though she has customers stopping into the shop all year-round, it isn’t always easy in the off-season but Little remains optimistic. 

“Any new business starting up, it’s a struggle anyway, but especially when you do a unique store that’s year round,” Little said.

“It’s very hard but we’re making it work so far and I’m open to continuing to make it work.”

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• The EBRD is providing an equity investment of up to €25 million in Voli Trade to build a modern logistics and distribution centre in Podgorica, Montenegro
• The project will boost Voli’s operational efficiency, drive digital transformation and deliver top-tier energy efficiency
• Dedicated support for digitalisation and cybersecurity, and a targeted internship programme, will promote competitiveness and equal opportunities in the sector

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing up to €25 million in Voli Trade, Montenegro’s largest food retailer, to finance the construction of a state-of-the-art logistics and distribution centre in Podgorica. This strategic investment will strengthen Voli’s operational efficiency, support its digital transformation and reinforce the firm’s commitment to sustainability and inclusion.

The new logistics and distribution facility will span 25,600 m2, featuring advanced energy-efficiency measures to achieve an energy rating significantly above national requirements.

The EBRD’s investment includes dedicated technical assistance for digitalisation and cybersecurity, supporting Voli in adopting modern systems of warehouse and vendor management and in piloting platforms to improve cyber resilience. The investment will enable a targeted internship programme focused on women, to address underrepresentation and promote equal opportunities in the sector.

Tamara Tosic, EBRD Regional Head of Food and Agribusiness, South-Eastern Europe, said: “Our investment supports Voli as it scales up its operations and strengthens its platform for long-term growth. Enhancing distribution infrastructure and data-driven capabilities is central to building resilient and competitive food retail businesses across the region.”

Remon Zakaria, EBRD Head of Montenegro, commented: “This investment marks a new chapter in our partnership with Voli. By supporting the construction of a modern logistics centre and advancing digital and green standards, we are helping Voli strengthen its competitiveness, drive sustainable growth and set new benchmarks for the retail sector in Montenegro.”

Dragan Bokan, Chairman of Voli Trade, added: “The contract we signed today is a strong incentive not only for Voli, but also for the overall development of a modern, competitive retail sector in Montenegro. I would like to emphasize in particular, how much cooperation with such a respectable European institution as the EBRD means to us. A partnership with a financial institution of such credibility is not just financial support – it is confirmation that Voli meets the highest European standards and is a reliable long-term partner. At the same time, it is a strong message that Montenegrin companies, when they operate in a disciplined, strategic and responsible manner, can be part of European trends and be recognized as valuable investment opportunities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the EBRD for the trust it has shown us for almost two decades. This partnership has grown based on mutual respect, professionalism and the belief that development must be accompanied by responsibility, sustainability and a clear vision.”

Voli Trade is the leading food retailer in Montenegro, with 80 multi-format stores across the country.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Montenegro, having invested more than €1 billion through 105 projects to date.