VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Christopher Dennis' mason jar filled with a special snack needs to make it to Philadelphia before Christmas Day.
“I had to ship off some crispy marshmallows to my grandson that loves them,” said Dennis.
Candy Hawkins is the manager at A+ Mailbox and More.
"Bring your items to us. We will box your items for you,” says Hawkins.
The business located in Virginia Beach will also give you shipping options for your items.
“We do USPS, DHL, FedEx, UPS,” adds Hawkins.
The shipping and packaging store opened its doors on February 14, just weeks before the pandemic shut down businesses across America.
“We were a little panicked because we were new,” adds Hawkins.
Business is picking up for the veteran-owned store off Lynnhaven Parkway.
Customers say the shop is a safer alternative than the post office or other national chains.
“It’s better than staying in a long line in a post office, especially now with the pandemic,” said Darlene Suarez-Dennis.
Hawkins says being prepared for the high volume of packages this season was important.
“We ordered as many boxes as we possibly could,” adds Hawkins.
And they ordered stamps for customers like John Thoron.
“We are old school. We like to send out cards and letters, and it’s nice to have Christmas or some related stamp on it.”
Customers say the family-owned feel and personal connection is what keeps them coming back to the business.
“I used to go to the post office until I found these guys,” said Dennis.
But just like the post office, they are also seeing delays.
Related: What to do if you miss the holiday shipping deadlines
“Nothing is guaranteed. We have the pandemic going on. We ask our customers to be patient.”
They're asking for your patience as they stack your packages and send them out the door.
