Shop owners in Seminole Heights are getting ready for what’s supposed to be their busiest time of the year.

  • Holiday Shop Hop to be held Saturday
  • Seminole Heights shootings put strain on area business
  • Shoppers have come out to show solidarity

On Saturday, they will hold the annual "Holiday Shop Hop."

“We urge everybody to come out, shop and then come and have dinner,” said Greg Curtis, owner of Cleanse Apothecary.

Curtis said they need the support more than ever.

Four deadly shootings and the search for the Seminole Heights gunman has put a strain on business in the area.

“There’s definitely been an impact,” said David Hansen, owner of Urban Bungalow. “People are afraid to come to the neighborhood.”

Retailers said they’ve been emailing and calling customers who don’t live in Seminole Heights to let them know about the safety precautions and the police presence around the neighborhood.  Everyone’s watching out for one another.

“We’ll walk you to your car if you purchase something and it’s in the evening or its dusk,” Hansen said. “We’re more than happy to walk out with you. And I think every business owner is doing that right now.”

Retailers said there have been some shoppers who have come out just to support Seminole Heights. They’re showing solidarity in the face of a killer.

The Holiday Shop Hop will take place at shops throughout Seminole Heights on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit the Shop Hop Facebook page for more information.