These are the best MS streets for ‘nostalgic’ Christmas shopping, survey says. Here’s why
For many Mississippians, holiday shopping is more than crossing things off the to-do list — it’s also about enjoying the festive experience of it.
Cash For Cars, a used car buyer, recently conducted a survey asking people across the United States where their favorite streets for small-town shopping are and how long they are willing to drive to shop there.
“What really stood out is how far people are willing to travel for a sense of Christmas nostalgia,” a Cash For Cars spokesperson said in a Dec. 18 news release. “These towns aren’t just shopping destinations — they’re emotional landmarks.”
The best streets in MS for holiday shopping nostalgia
Here are the top three streets in the Magnolia State for holiday shopping with a “nostalgic, small-town” feel and how far people would drive to shop there, according to the Cash For Cars survey.
1. Oak Street in Laurel
With holiday lights and decorations lining the sidewalks, Oak Street in Laurel is top street in Mississippi for holiday shopping with a side of nostalgia, according to the Cash For Cars survey.
The street ranks 53 in the country and respondents said they would travel up to three hours and 20 minutes to shop there this season, the survey found.
“Shoppers travel for its friendly atmosphere and the chance to support local makers in a festive setting,” according to the survey.
2. Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs stood out for its artsy charm and warm, coastal weather and ranks 78 in the country for small-town holiday shopping, according to the survey.
“People drive in for its creative spirit and the relaxed, festive vibe unique to this Gulf Coast town,” analysts said.
Shoppers said they would drive up to three hours for the experience of purchasing gifts there this season, the survey found.
3. Courthouse Square in Oxford
Oxford’s historic Courthouse Square ranks 103 in the country for nostalgic holiday shopping, according to the survey.
The square is lively with multiple renowned restaurants and shops, including Hinton & Hinton — one of the New York Times’ 50 best clothing stores in the country, the Sun Herald reported.
“Visitors come from all over Mississippi for its beautiful setting and vibrant Christmas shopping scene,” according to the survey.
What matters most to Mississippians when choosing a festive shopping destination?
When choosing a town to travel to for holiday shopping, these are the qualities that matter most to Mississippians, according to the survey:
- Holiday atmosphere, including lights, music and decorations: 26%
- Food and drink options: 25%
- Independent/local shops: 21%
- Special holiday events: 14%
- Avoiding malls: 14%
These are the best streets for small-town holiday shopping in the US
From the Northeast to the Midwest, the following streets stood out as the top 10 in the country for small-town holiday shopping, according to the survey. Here’s where they are and how long people would drive to shop there:
1. Market Square in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: 6 hours
2. Main Street in Hanover, New Hampshire: 5 hours and 34 minutes
3. Broadway in Fargo, North Dakota: 5 hours
4. Spring Street in Eureka Springs, Arkansas: 4 hours and 44 minutes
5. Main Street in Bar Harbor, Maine: 4 hours and 40 minutes
6. Main Street in Medora, North Dakota: 4 hours and 39 minutes
7. Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie, Oklahoma: 4 hours and 36 minutes
8. Main Street in Blue Ridge, Georgia: 4 hours and 24 minutes
9. Central Avenue in Nebraska City, Nebraska: 4 hours and 20 minutes
10. Dock Square in Kennebunkport, Maine: 4 hours and 19 minutes
How did used car buying service conduct survey?
The survey of 3,004 U.S. shoppers was conducted in December and asked respondents to determine how far they would be willing to drive for Christmas shopping on their state’s popular streets, researchers said.
