It's that time of year again when everything seems to pick up and slow down all at the same time.

We are on the cusp of another Midwestern winter, and I for one am excited to test out my car’s all-wheel drive. For almost eight years I drove an old Toyota Corolla that spun out more times than I’m willing to admit, but I grew up in Wisconsin, so it wouldn’t be winter without a couple of close calls in a blizzard.

For those of you who don’t know me, I am one of the newest additions to the Volume One team, stepping into the role of The Local Store Director. (I have quite the shoes to fill.) The story behind the journey that led me here has many twists and turns, but I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team.

”

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW ME, I AM ONE OF THE NEWEST ADDITIONS TO THE VOLUME ONE TEAM, stepping into the role of the local store director.

CHLOE VANDERLINDEN

DIRECTOR, THE LOCAL STORE

As we kick off November, I am experiencing my first Local Store holiday season – and so far, it has not disappointed.

Each year, The Local Store closes for one day to turn over its fall leaves and unveil an explosion of holiday cheer – and decor – inside. Eleven hours and 20,000 steps later, you could say the store’s halls are completely decked, and customers are already flooding in for holiday gifts and local goods.

I could not be happier to support all of our local makers in their work by offering customers unique products you can’t find anywhere else. I hope you stop in sometime, and if you do, be on the lookout for a little elf running around – that’s probably me or one of our wonderful staff members spreading holiday cheer!

Keep up with The Local Store (205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire) on Facebook, Instagram, and order online through its website.