Mini Bazaar & Co.: A Local Holiday Favorite in East Idaho

For more than 45 years, Mini Bazaar & Co. has been a cherished destination in East Idaho, especially during the holiday season.

 

Each winter, the store transforms into a dazzling showcase of Christmas decor and unique gift items, inspiring countless visitors in their holiday preparations.

 

Operated by the dedicated mother-daughter team of Lucy Simmons and Bobbi Underwood, Mini Bazaar & Co. has deep roots in the community.

 

Lucy, who began crafting for Christmas alongside her sister, co-founded the store.

 

Initially, the shop featured entirely handmade items created by Lucy, her sister, and other local artisans.

 

Reflecting on the store's evolution, Lucy noted, "It used to be that we were the only place in town, but now you can buy home decor at the grocery store."

 

She added, "We have a lot more competition and a lot of great shops in town. We just feel honored and glad that we're still here."

 

As times changed, the duo began sourcing items from various markets, carefully selecting products they believed their customers would cherish.

 

Despite these changes, they continue to collaborate with some of the original vendors from the store's early days.

 

Mini Bazaar & Co. operates seasonally, opening for seven to eight weeks at a time before closing briefly to revamp the store for the next season.

 

During these transitions, they repaint and rearrange the entire space to offer a fresh experience for returning customers.

 

The Christmas season is particularly bustling, with patrons traveling from as far as Boise and Provo to explore the store's offerings.

 

Renowned for its extensive ribbon collection, the shop also features colorful Christmas trees, floral arrangements, and festive lights.

 

Popular gift items include towels, kitchen accessories, and figurines like snowmen, angels, and Santas.

 

Lucy highlighted a trending addition to gifts this year: bells.

 

"They're even adding bells to packaging this year," she said.

 

"We have tiny ones, and they just add something to a gift that looks awesome. Even if you're giving a gift bag, you just tie it around your handle and you're good."

 

Bobbi emphasized the store's unique ambiance, crediting their three designers who meticulously decorate the shop.

 

"I think that's why customers and women like to come here because they can see it and imagine it," Bobbi said.

 

Lucy added, "It's expensive to do it that way, but if we just brought everything we bought and threw it on a shelf and in a box, we wouldn't do near as well."

 

Beyond the store, their designers also offer home decorating services for Christmas, even selecting someone to decorate for at no cost as a sort of Secret Santa.

 

Lucy expressed her appreciation for the generosity that the Christmas season inspires.

 

For those unsure where to begin with their holiday decorating, Lucy advises starting with personal preferences.

 

"Whether it's from your grandmother or if you just bought it this week, let it be you and don't worry about decorating for who's going to see it," she said.

 

The store offers a plethora of ideas, from wreaths and lanterns to pink-themed Christmas trees.

 

Bobbi concluded, "We just want them to love their home and be comfortable in it."

 

For more information:

 

Mini Bazaar & Co.

 

765 S. Capital Ave.

 

Idaho Falls, ID 83402

 

208-528-6479

 

Hours:

 

Wednesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

Christmas 2025 Season: October 22 through December 13

 

Evening Sale: October 21, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

 

Spring 2026 Season begins February 18

 

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