Jefferson County merchants, like others nationwide, hope the traditional first day of holiday shopping will push them into the black, or profitable side of the ledger, for the year.
Today is traditionally called Black Friday for that very reason.
Jefferson County merchants will offer deals and extended shopping hours.
Hadlock Building Supply, 901 Nesses Corner Road in Port Hadlock, will again open its doors at 4 a.m. before the sun is even close to rising in the east.
“The thought was is that everybody gets up early to go across the [Hood Canal] bridge so in order to survive we have to set up early,” said Bill Kraut, Hadlock Building Supply manager.
That’s why the company that employs more than 50 people in the Tri-Area started the holiday event, complete with sales, the Chimacum High School band performing and a spotlight.
Beacon of light
“Our neighbors love that,” Kraut jokes about the spotlight that can’t be missed.
The store saw about 300 early shoppers walk through its doors last Black Friday.
This year the store will give away a chest full of tools, which will be raffled off at 6 a.m.
The Chimacum band also will strike up its horn section at that time, Kraut said.
Like other merchants around the county, the hardware store offers discounts on products and gives its customers plenty of early time to compare prices.
Retailers were heavily stocking their shelves in Port Townsend on Wednesday.
At Swain’s Outdoor, at 1121 Water St., Christmas trees were closely bundled together in the parking lot near the front doors.
Brian Menkal, Swains store manager, said last year’s Black Friday proved profitable.
“With the Christmas season, it depends on what merchants sell,” Menkal said. “People last year bought more practical things,” such as shoes, jackets and other clothing items.
“We stocked up more on the smaller priced gifts that are very practical. More day-to-day basics.”
The store has felt the economic pinch of the past two years, he said, going from a staff of 24 two years ago to 14 today, Menkal said.
“It’s a real crunch for retailers.”
Swain’s is opening at 7 a.m. today and offers 10 percent off the purchase if you bring a can of food for the Food Bank.
Many analysts expect sales for the weekend to be unchanged compared with last year, even though the National Retail Federation trade group projects bigger crowds.
That’s because individual shoppers are expected to cut back on their spending even more this year, according to analysts.
Holiday Open House
Mari Mullen, executive director for The Port Townsend Main Street Program, said Main Street’s efforts will be primarily on Saturday for the Merchant Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at many downtown Historic District stores.
In-store treats, sales, horse-and-carriage rides, Christmas caroling and other fun attractions will help merchants kick off the season, Mullen said.
Also, 35 stores have signed up for the Holiday Promotion with a $1,000 Holiday Shopping Sweepstakes that customers can enter now at those stores list is on Main Street’s Web site www.ptmainstreet.org.
The customer’s first ticket is free, and one ticket is earned for each $10 spent.
Customers must be 18 to enter the Holiday Sweepstakes and must be present to win at the drawing held after the Haller Fountain tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 5.
Downtown street lamps will be wrapped with live greenery and red bows, and many shop windows are already decorated for the holidays.
Several other downtown stores are offering deep discounts in merchandise and other giveaways such as gift certificates.
“We encourage residents and visitors to explore Water Street, Washington Street, the sides streets and the Uptown Historic District — there is so much variety,” Mullen said.
“With this challenging economy it would be great if you could promote the Port Townsend Holiday sweepstakes and the range of shopping/dining experiences in our town.
“Port Townsend is a merry and memorable place to be, and it’s fun to be downtown and Uptown and connect with merchants who are our friends and neighbors.”
________
Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
