The ongoing financial crisis across the country might lead people to
believe that local, privately owned retail businesses would be feeling a
money squeeze.
As some stores have seen sales numbers similar to previous years, some
stores are barely meeting quota.
In the borough of Doylestown, many store owners and employees saw
large sales numbers and steady business throughout Black Friday, the day
after Thanksgiving that officially kicks off the Christmas shopping season
with slashed prices and shopping madness.
“This year was better than the last two years,” said James Frazier, owner
of Cyborg One, a store specializing in comics, anime and games. In fact,
many stores said that Black Friday sales were comparable to, or even better
than, previous years.
“It’s stunning,” said Blair Elliot, owner of Siren Records, adding that
sales were close to matching last year’s numbers. However, “People were
more reluctant to spend,” said Elliot.
He added that music may be important for his customers, but if the
choice is between music and food, consumers need to first purchase the
necessities.
Nerice Kendter, owner of Busy Bee Toys, also said Black Friday sales
were around the same as the previous year.
The store specializes in mostly wooden toys, as well as locally handmade
and organic toys.
Store employees noted that there was a decrease in sales around the
month of September, which is when the financial crisis began with the
bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers.
“There was a definite drop in sales,” said Kira Suler of A Special Gift, a
specialty store selling jewelry, clothing and other art work. She also stated
that the store was not as busy on Black Friday as it was last year.
Shiloh Hopwood, manager of Doylestown Bookshop, noted that it was a
slow autumn, but added that September is usually a slow month. “All retailers experienced that drop,” said Kendter, adding that
there was a significant change in October.
However, some stores didn’t notice much of a change in sales.
Frazier said that Cyborg One didn’t experience any more than the
normal seasonal decrease, adding that there was no more than a
10 percent difference.
While Siren Records did see a drop, Elliot wasn’t sure exactly
what the cause was.
He said the store’s recent location move may be a factor.
Kendter said that one of the reasons that people choose to shop
locally is to avoid the large crowds and chaotic scenes at malls.
She also pointed to local residents as a reason for high sales at
the holidays. “We have a local customer base that is committed to
Doylestown shops,” she stated.
This may also be attributed to the use of the Shop Local, Dine
Local cards that people can sign up for.
Provided by the Doylestown Business and Community
Alliance, these cards are aimed at supporting small, local businesses
by providing discounts and incentives when presented at
participating establishments.
In addition, a large portion of the money raised by the sale of
the cards is donated to charities like CB Cares and Habitat for
Humanity.
Larissa Hopwood, manager of Siren Records, also acknowledged
the support of the local community.
“College students home from school come in, people who grew
up with the store,” she said.
According to Elliot, Siren’s sales grow as Christmas gets closer.
Many shop owners felt confident that sales would continue
strong until Christmas.
Some said that they usually experience greater numbers of
sales after Black Friday.
“Adults cut out things for themselves, but in the holiday season,
our sales increase because of families,” said Kendter of Busy
Bee toys.
For some stores, the busiest shopping day has yet to come.
“Christmas Eve is usually our busiest night,” said Hopwood,
adding that the bookstore usually sees increasing sales up until
Christmas.
If you’re looking to find original gifts and support the local
economy, consider avoiding the crowded malls and heading to
the local, privately-owned shops this season.