Downtown Hazard shops extend hours, offer discounts for last minute shoppers

On December 23, 2025, downtown Hazard retailers ramped up promotions and extended availability as last minute holiday shopping accelerated. Shop owners said they stocked a range of gifts to suit different budgets and ages, and several announced special discounts that ran through Christmas Eve to entice shoppers wrapping up their lists.

Belcher and Boudreaux promoted deep markdowns on seasonal merchandise, with owner Lena Bacun describing the shop's focus on variety and meaning. “We just want to have the perfect gift for anyone in your family. Mom, dad, brother, sister,” Bacun said. “We want it to be what’s best for them and it doesn’t matter the price. We have $10 gifts. We have much more expensive gifts. But the thing with us is if it’s a gift from you, it’s special.” Appalachian Apparel Co. ran a 20 percent off promotion on all purchases through Christmas Eve, while Belcher and Boudreaux offered 40 percent off all Christmas items.

Owners framed these sales not only as convenience for shoppers, but as a way to sustain community economic activity during a concentrated spending period. “The local businesses are the ones that support your schools and your teams and your children. And we’ve really shown that,” said Joey McKenney, owner of Appalachian Apparel Co. Downtown coordinator and small business owner Joey Jones emphasized the visible local impact of purchases. “I mean because the owners of these small businesses are your community members, you know? So it makes a real impact because you can really see who you’re supporting and also you can see how those businesses are also supporting the community.”

For residents needing last minute gifts, several downtown stores announced Christmas Eve hours. Appalachian Apparel Co. planned to be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Belcher and Boudreaux from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hot Mess Express from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Talyn’s on Main from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ready Set Play from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jewels by Julia from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hazard Coffee Company from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Coal County Candles from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Beyond the immediate convenience, the promotions illustrated how concentrated holiday demand can support small business revenues and community programs that rely on local patronage. For Perry County residents, buying locally in these final shopping days helped keep holiday spending within the community and bolstered small employers heading into the new year.