Some businesses see large increase in sales for December
Hollister’s merchants all have a different story to tell when it
comes to holiday spending so far this year. Some stores are seeing
more shoppers, some less. But a local campaign is trying to get
more local shoppers through local doors.
Some businesses see large increase in sales
Hollister’s merchants all have a different story to tell when it comes to holiday spending so far this year. Some stores are seeing more shoppers, some less. But a local campaign is trying to get more local shoppers through local doors.
The “Ho Ho Holidays” campaign – a buy local campaign that encourages people to buy in San Benito has tried to focus consumers on local options.
More than forty businesses have signed up to be part of the campaign, said committee member Liz Sparling, of the San Benito Chamber of Commerce. Those stores that signed up for the campaign received posters to place in stores, postcards for mailing lists and thank you cards to give after purchases, she said.
The thank you cards were designed by Tourism Committee Chair Scott Fuller. On the back they have bullet points of reasons to buy in the area, Fuller said.
“Dollars spent here stay in the community,” Fuller said.
The San Benito Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee planned the holiday event as the first part of a buy local campaign. Even those who commute have a chance to shop in Hollister for the holidays.
“A lot of businesses are open late on Friday nights for those who live here and work out of town,” Sparling said.
Muenzer’s has had a 10-15 percent increase in shopping this year as compared to last year. Popular items include sheepskin boots and Nor Cal sweatshirts, said Jan Holthouse, an assistant manager.
“Anything that’s warm will sell,” Holthouse said. “People are cold now. They want warmth.”
Muenzer’s holiday shoppers are mainly mothers of young children, Holthouse said.
The Elegant Touch Bakery has also experienced a dramatic increase in holiday sales. Sales are up 25 percent, mostly due to increased catering sales, said co-owner Paul Espinoza.
The bakery has catered holiday and Christmas parties, both private and corporate, he said.
Additionally, people have bought an increased amount of baked goods and gift cards, he said.
To boost sales, the bakery is adding $5 to any $25 gift cards purchased and $10 to any gift card for $50 or more through Dec. 23, Espinoza said.
He has seen more men coming in recently, many who heard about the store from their wives, Espinoza said.
Penny Wise Drug has seen an increase in male customers this season, said co-owner Stephen Rosati.
“A lot of men come in because they can find what they want fairly quickly,” he said.
Penny Wise Drug’s customers have been spending somewhat less than this time last year, Rosati said.
“The last seven days (before Christmas) tend to be our busiest,” Rosati said.
Top-selling items include bears that sing Christmas songs and rosaries, he said.
“People are surprised when they see how many rosaries we have,” said Rosati.
In general people buy rosaries as gifts for their mothers, he said.
Kelly’s Gift Place has so far had sales equal to last year, manager Cynthia Hansen, said. Things that have sold well include candles, and ornaments.
“The Nativity set sold out in two days,” Hansen said.
Danielle Stolman can be reached at ph***@pi**********.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this reporter.
Businesses participating in “Ho Ho Holidays”
Penny Wise Drug
PostNet
Hometown Hello
Richard W. Shelton Ins. Mktg., Inc.
Rustic Turtle Embroidery
Paicines Ranch
Progresso Tamale Parlor
San Juan Oaks Golf Club
Vista Notes by Rochelle
Swear Pea Antiques (San Juan Bautista)
Margot’s Ice Cream Parlor (San Juan Bautista)
Casa Galleria (San Juan Bautista)
One Fine Day (San Juan Bautista)
San Juan People’s Plaza Antiques & Collectibles
Mall (San Juan Bautista)
Tops, A Rock Shop (San Juan Bautista)
Flapjack’s County Cafe (Tres Pinos)
French’s Kitchen & Bath Collectibles
South Valley Trailers
Shannon Grissom Contemporary Artworks
Homes & Sons Trucking, Inc. (San Juan Bautista)
Mid-State Mutual Insurance Co.
B&R Farms
Ridgemark Golf & Country Club
Sandy Rose Insurance
Hollister Motorsports
Intero Real Estate
Drapoel/Teezerz
Filice Farms
Mission Gallery (San Juan Bautista)
San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce
Premiere Cinemas
Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss
Fritter & Schulz Physical Therapy
Pietra Santa Winery
Hazel Hawkins Hospital
Ellen Fisher’s Bookkeeping Service
Hollister Downtown Association
Winn & Company
Fortino’s Total Home
Irma’s Fashions
Cedar House Cafe
San Benito Bank
Casa de Fruta
Autoworks
She’s
The Veranda (Tres Pinos)
