One just knew something huge was going on at Gaudie & Company on Boston Avenue in Nederland for Small Business Saturday.

There was a waiting line for people to get in. The store opened at 10 a.m., but only a few customers were let in at a time. Inside, the line stretched across the store for check out while many continued to shop.

Amanda Dejohn, assistant manager, said there were many sales for Saturday.

“We emphasize shopping local,” she said. “We have a ton of sales today.”

She said their bestsellers are Kendra Scott Jewelry who is a designer from Austin.

“We just love her,” Dejohn said.

The store has also been selling clothes, shoes, booties and flats.

Jordan Martin shops Gaudie & Company for the sales and the store’s atmosphere.

“They have stuff here no other place has,” she said. “I started shopping yesterday, but I still shopped at small businesses.”

Tish Shaddock said she’s looking for sales and Christmas gifts. She added that her mother told her about the sales at Gaudie & Company and “sent her on a mission.”

“I’m looking at the Kendra Scott earrings,” she said. “I love the colors and the styles. I’m addicted.”

Shaddock is almost done with her Christmas shopping. One of her daughter’s birthday was this past Wednesday and her other daughter’s birthday is the day after Christmas.

Marion Latil of Marion’s Treasures said her vintage and collectibles store got off to a slow start on Saturday, but she was expecting the crowd to come in after 12 p.m.

“Usually when people come in here, they buy,” she said. “I sold an antique lamp, a table, a flower arrangement, quilts and an antique children’s chifferobe this weekend.”

Latil also has 10 vendor booths in her store. One of the vendors can take pieces of furniture and make different items with them.

“If you know someone who likes collectibles, this is the place to come,” she said. “If you don’t know what to give someone, but they like to collect. Some of the items are used for decorating.”

Latil has been in business for five years and the store is inside of the old Walter’s Hardware.

She added that she’s particularly thankful the roadwork on Port Neches Avenue has been completed this year.

Colleen Briggs was shopping inside of Marion’s Treasures. She’s originally from Port Neches, but now lives in Austin. She came home for Thanksgiving. She also comes home for Christmas and during the summer.

“I woke up this morning and I wanted to explore my hometown,” she said. “For the longest time these stores were closed (due to the street project). I’m browsing, but you never know when you may find a treasure.”

“I work for myself and I support small businesses.”

Haley Pent works at The Olive Branch Gift Shop on Lincoln Avenue in Groves.

Their store, too, houses various vendors who sell their merchandise.

The store had just opened 30 minutes earlier when Pent was interviewed and she said not many customers came in yet.

The Olive Branch’s specialty is selling Port Neches-Groves clothing such as Indianette and cheerleader outfits for girls and Locker Boy merchandise.

The also carry some Christmas gifts, ornaments, bows and some jewelry.

“We have a wide selection here and we’re always changing the merchandise,” she said.

David Ball: 409-721-2427