Downtown Salem will have cookie walk, visits with Santa Nov. 26
Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
SALEM – Described as a downtown staple, Lincks Clothing and Shoes in Salem has been on the Salem square since 2006.
Owned by Rita and Rick Lincks, the main focus of the store is women’s clothing and shoes but Lincks also carries sports items, men’s dress pants, does custom T-shirt printing and offers a tuxedo rental service.
“We started this business to offer quality goods to our community,” said Rita Lincks. “Over the years, it has turned into so much more.”
Supporting the community is important to the Lincks and they believe that’s their way of saying “thank you” for the community supporting them by shopping locally. They annually donate approximately $20,000 to schools and nonprofit organizations in Washington County.
“We are blessed to do what we do and love our community,” Rita said.
Erik Bush, executive director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, said Lincks is known for great customer service. The store also makes the downtown square a place people want to shop by regularly updating the Lincks window display.
“They are definitely a staple in this community. Rita does a lot for the schools and is very supportive of the chamber,” Bush said. “She is full of energy, she goes above and beyond for her customers.”
Lifelong residents of Washington County, the couple has been married for 34 years and have two sons: Ricky, married to Shekinah, and Jared, married to Courtney. They have three grandsons, Noah, Nick and Jensen and twin granddaughters Rian and Raegan. They are members of Kansas Church of Christ.
Awards, accolades
Lincks Clothing has received several accolades over the years for their community involvement and strong presence downtown including awards from the Washington Co. Chamber of Commerce, Salem Community Schools and the Salem Leader’s People’s Choice awards.
Small Business Saturday
The downtown Salem square will be busy with activities on Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 26.
In addition to most merchants offering special sales, shoppers can come downtown and participate in the cookie walk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, about 15 businesses in Salem are participating. About 70 people joined the cookie walk last year and Bush is planning for 100 this year.
Shoppers can pick up a card with a list of the cookie stops at the Santa House. Those who complete the cookie walk will be entered into a drawing for gift cards.
Families with children can visit Santa Claus and get their photo taken at the Santa House, behind Fox Purlee Wealth Management. The first 200 children will receive a free photo with Santa.
“We did this last year and it was a great success. A lot of people were in town to visit family and they came downtown for the cookie walk and to see Santa,” Bush said.