Karr began collecting about two years ago and enjoys the Landmark Series, which duplicates architecture of buildings such as Times Square, Independence Hall, the Globe Theater, Kensington Palace and more. Karr loves spending evenings at home. We just walk around and look at them. Karr keeps track of the pieces in her collection, and each year she watches closely which pieces Department 56 plans to retire in the collectible series. Nikki Tyler, owner of The Holiday Shop, said that Karr isn't alone.
Many collectors buy and collect year-round.
The Holiday Shop is one of several Panhandle stores that carry the Department 56 line. Department 56 has a retirement the first Friday in November, Tyler said. The line of lighted villages has different scenes, settings and architectural styles. In the City, New England, Alpine, North Pole, Snow Village and Seasons Bay, Tyler said.