Local businesses gear up for holiday season

As Little Elm heads into the brunt of the holiday shopping season, Town Manager Ivan Langford said that so far there has been no decline in sales tax revenues through September.

He said that sales tax from Little Elm businesses comprises about 15 percent of the town's general fund. Sales tax revenue is not earmarked for specific projects.

“Depending upon how the season goes, I think we'll be fine,” Langford said.

He said that though the town is very dependent on sales tax revenue, Little Elm is not as vulnerable as other more established communities because the town does not have many of the major stores yet.

Figures from the State Comptroller's office show that Little Elm has received a little over $2.5 million in sales tax revenue payments to date. That is almost a 51 percent increase over the nearly $1.7 million received at the same time last year.

Mary G's Floral and Gifts is one of the new businesses in Little Elm helping to bring in those sales tax revenues. The florist, at 2700 E. Eldorado Parkway, is in the shopping center near Sidekicks Martial Arts. Owner Mary Grammel opened the shop in August this year.

“People should shop in Little Elm because the money spent here pays taxes in Little Elm. It's expanding the face of Little Elm,” Grammel said.

She said she wanted to be a part of Little Elm. “Little Elm is unique being by the lake. There is nothing like my flower shop here,” she said.

She also carries a line of locally made candles and unique gift items, including Tiffany-style lamps.

Dennis and Beth Morel are Little Elm residents and owner of the Water's Edge Cafe that also just opened in August.

Dennis Morel said that shopping in Little Elm keeps the money in the local economy.

“It helps the local businesses and it helps the little guy,” Morel said.

Water's Edge Cafe is at 800 W. Eldorado Parkway in the shopping center across the street from Little Elm Park. The cafe specializes in New Orleans style cooking. Morel said everything is freshly prepared.

“We also serve a good old, all-American breakfast,” he said.

The cafe has already established a following in the few months it's been open of people that enjoy the New Orleans dishes.

“We're surprised at the number of people from Louisiana who like what we serve here,” Morel said.

Key's Market has been the only grocery store in Little Elm for many years. It is at 407 W. Eldorado Parkway in the shopping center across from Dollar General. Ownership changed in April 2008. New owner Jong Jeon did not change the name of the store when he took it over. He also began selling Mahard eggs from Prosper, and carries many ethnic foods.

“This store is closer to your house,” Ivan Jeon, assistant manager said. “We're more friendly, and it helps Little Elm.”

Langford said the number of local businesses will increase when Eldorado is widened, but that won't be finished for about three years. He thinks Little Elm will experience major growth when that project is completed.

“Our sales tax revenues keep going up because people are loyal to our merchants,” said Little Elm Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Becky Horn. “They've made an investment in our community and we need to return the favor by using local people whenever we can.”

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