Christmas 2005 is proving profitable for local retailers, who
cite later business hours and a low-key shopping experience as
significant factors toward their success.
”
This has been a very good year for us, one of our best years
ever, and a wonderful Christmas,
”
said Sheila Stevens, owner of She’s downtown boutique.
Hollister – Christmas 2005 is proving profitable for local retailers, who cite later business hours and a low-key shopping experience as significant factors toward their success.
“This has been a very good year for us, one of our best years ever, and a wonderful Christmas,” said Sheila Stevens, owner of She’s downtown boutique.
Many local shoppers confess to spending more money on Christmas gifts this year, in part because of an increasingly expensive popular taste. Downtown shoppers quoted sums ranging from $200-800 spent in gift purchases alone.
“I’m spending hundreds of dollars this year, because everything my friends want costs a lot of money,” local resident Matt Thorpe said while shopping downtown Thursday. “Even what I want costs a lot of money.”
However, some local consumers confess to spending more time looking for gifts online, or at large shopping centers out of town.
“I really do like the atmosphere downtown,” said Stephanie Klindt. “But there isn’t a whole lot of selection, and the clothes are especially expensive… I probably spent more time downtown last Christmas.”
Local business owners seem largely unintimidated by nearby big-box stores, however, putting faith in downtown’s charms and their own business sense instead.
“I hear a lot of talk about the stores in Gilroy – people say ‘Oh let’s check out Wal-Mart, let’s check out Kohl’s,'” said Kelly Orwczarzak, owner of Kelly’s Gift Place. “But they always come back here – they hate the rush, the parking, the lack of service, and our prices are actually very competitive.”
And while the season has been kind so far, retailers are anticipating a rush today and tomorrow, as last minute shoppers struggle to scratch the final one or two people off their “Nice” list.
“Christmas Eve is the biggest day of the year for us, next to Valentine’s Day,” said Jennifer Pfeifer of Boutique de Lingerie. “Mostly we see a lot of men come in for some last minute ideas… we sell a lot of red nighties.”
Other local businesses notice patterns in hot-sellers this year, too. Kelly’s Gifts has done well with angel and nativity-themed items, and She’s has sold a lot of coats and winter outerwear. In addition to seasonal skivvies, Boutique de Lingerie has seen flannel pajamas, loungewear and robes fly off the shelves, and Metropolis owner Joe Aguilar says jewelry is a popular gift at his store.
A number of stores downtown have opted to stay open later this season, and say the extra hours have boosted their sales. In the future, however, local retailers believe increased participation from other shops could prove beneficial for all.
“A lot of people work in San Jose, and don’t come back into town until after six,” said Orwczarzak. “They want to come downtown and see everyone’s lights on. When a store they want to visit is closed, they leave disappointed, and that affects us all.”
Local retailers also promise big sales immediately after Christmas, to clear out holiday merchandise and kick off the new year. And while procrastinators may be feeling anxious, they still have a little time to squeeze in a few shopping trips before the big day.
“If you still need to shop, be patient,” said Orwczarzak. “Try to have fun, and just remember what the season’s all about.”
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or
ds****@fr***********.com
