Columbus Day weekend kicks off fall shopping

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Many businesses are still open on Columbus Day while many other people have the day off.

The Blue Marble at Thornes Market in Northampton owner Cathie Walz says they have been busy all morning, “We are always nice and busy. It is kind of a kick-off to fall. A lot of people coming in and looking for fall clothes or decor. It is always a lively weekend.”

Despite the cold and dreary weather, Walz says a lot of people still came out to do some shopping at the Blue Marble.

Columbus Day also known as Indigenous Peoples Day in other states gives many workers an extended weekend and on Monday many people were out and about getting some shopping done on their day off.

According to the Pew Research Center, this holiday is one of 11 official federal holidays, where some workers get a paid day off. On this day most major banks are off, and USPS mail services and facilities like the RMV, courts, and public schools are also closed for the day.

While some workers had the holiday off many retailers and local businesses were still up and running. Since 2014, at least 33 states in the U.S. have continued to recognize Indigenous People’s Day in some way. Here in Massachusetts, it is still observed as Columbus Day.

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