Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyberspace Monday have had a major impact on the economy all over the United States.
Stores are reporting record numbers in sales as people responded to the promotions that follow on the heels of Thanksgiving, and have decided to spend their hearts out, at least during this holiday season.
For Black Friday alone spending was reported to be up 6.6 percent to a record $11.4 billion.
The Sun decided to take the pulse of Main Street’s local merchants to see how the promotions may have affected their business.
‘Better than normal’
Kim Kelly, owner of Home by the Seashore, gave a thumb’s up.
“We did better than normal,” she said. “It was mostly our locals who came out to support us on Small Business Saturday. A lot said they came because of that promotion. We were probably up about 40 percent from a normal Saturday.”
Kelly said he was concerned because of the special sales at the larger stores like Target and Wal-Mart and Malls. “I did not expect we were going to be busy because last year, we weren’t.”
Linne’s Boutique had a mixed experience.
“Friday was good,” said Linne Theam, the store’s owner. “Saturday was average and it was a little slow on Sunday.”
Jake Haney of Harbour Surfboards said business was not bad, but that they were down about 20 percent.
“We did have a lot of browsers,” he said. “We hope they come back. Right now the malls and larger stores are really having some big sales promotions. Cyber Monday has been OK. I think as we get closer to Christmas the smaller stores will do better.”
‘It does not look good’
Moonbeams owner Teri Schuster, said her shop did poorly both Friday and Saturday.
“It’s very disappointing. I don’t want to close the store, but it does not look so good.”
However, Castle Company, antiques and fine gifts owner Jayne Royalty said business was “fabulous.”
“I think a lot of people opted to shop local and avoid the malls and the frenzy,” she said. “A lot of people came out and we heard a lot of them say they wanted to support local businesses.”
Melissa Knievel, manager of Up, UP and Away Kites said that the shop was down $400 from last year.
“That is significant,” she said. “It was busy, but people did not seem to be spending as much money.”
Lin Bennett, manager of Endless Summer clothing store said Friday was good, but Saturday was better.
“Sunday was a little slower for that weekend,” she said. “I hope the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are a good kickoff for the shopping season.”
Len Luiso at California Sea Shell Company said Friday was very good, but Saturday was a record-breaking day for the store.
“It was a wonderful surprise,” he said. “Sunday was good, too, but Cyber Monday has been just average for us.”
Lisa McHenry, owner of knock knock Toys & Gifts said daily sales were down from last year on Friday and Sunday. “Shop Small (Business) Saturday pulled through towards the end of the day,” she said. “I give the tree lighting ceremony credit for bringing business to Main Street. I am sure all of the advertising American Express did on TV didn’t hurt either.
“I think there are a lot of people who make a real effort to shop on Main Street as much as possible,” she said.
“We don’t have it all on Main, but it’s a great place to start your shopping. As far as &gifts, the sister store to knock knock, we were pleased with sales there. But then again, it’s hard to judge having been open for three weeks overall, the support of both stores is greatly appreciated,” she said.
