Old World Christmas is Keeping Spirits Bright

In the cozy warmth of Old World Christmas’ outlet store, a young family with an 11-month-old baby boy browses the glittering displays. The parents, eager to start a new tradition, search for the perfect first ornament for their little one.

As they wander through the aisles, the baby's eyes light up at the sight of a sparkling tractor. His little hands reach out to grab it as his parent’s smile, knowing they've found the perfect piece to mark their baby's first Christmas.

This moment, filled with joy and wonder, is what Old World Christmas has been creating for over four decades.

What started as a Spokane family-owned business has grown to be a leading ornament producer. Founded in 1979 by Tim and Beth Merck, Old World Christmas’ glass-blown, hand-painted ornaments can now be found at more than 2,000 retailers across the country, as well as many small businesses worldwide.

In 2024, Old World celebrated two significant milestones: 45 years of manufacturing ornaments and being named ‘Ornament Vendor of the Year’ by Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine.

"Our value, selection and attention to detail sets us apart," said Old World Christmas sales and operations manager Rob Waples. “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

The company prides itself on offering an extensive ornament collection, consisting of over 1,500 unique designs ranging from traditional to whimsical and every style in between.

"We introduce 150 new designs every year," said Rob. "We try to be on point when things are happening."

For instance, a German tradition of hiding a pickle ornament in a Christmas tree has become so popular that the pickle is Old World’s best-selling ornament. Its success might be due to the belief that whoever finds the pickle will have good luck. "We have five different styles of pickles," said Rob. "As long as I've been here, the pickle has been our number one seller."

Only once has the pickle been dethroned. "A co-worker suggested a Santa with a face mask in 2020," said Rob. "That ornament was off the chart."

Old World is always eager for new ideas. Customers can submit their ideas for an ornament through Old World’s website or customer service line. The company votes on the suggested designs in early February and then gets to work on those selected. The ornaments take up to five months to create.

You can purchase Old World ornaments on its website, through Amazon, or in-person at its brick-and-mortar ornament store in Spokane, Wash. The outlet shop is one of the largest in the country and is open from mid-October through December 23rd.

After leading Old World for 35 years, Tim and Beth sold the business in 2014. Today, Old World runs its 35-person global operation from a 60,000-square-foot warehouse at 4007 East Main Avenue in Spokane, which houses the seasonal outlet store, offices, and its warehouse.

Last year, an Avista-approved contractor suggested Old World update its outdated lighting with help from the utility’s small business lighting program.

"We replaced the lighting in our front offices and warehouse," said Rob. "Our staff loves how they can control the lighting in their cubicles, changing the color or brightness."

Avista covered the entire $145,842 energy-efficient LED upgrade, estimated to save the ornament company over 262,623 kWh of electricity annually. That’s enough energy to power more than 14 homes for an entire year.

"Not only have our monthly electricity charges dropped, but the new lighting requires less maintenance," said Rob. "We anticipate ten to twelve years before touching the fixtures."Avista's program offers Washington and Idaho small business owners a way to update old, inefficient lighting with little to no out-of-pocket expenses. It’s easy to qualify and Avista typically covers 100% of the project’s costs. Plus, an approved program contractor takes care of the installation and all the details.