The holidays for Clallam County retailers improved this year over last — perhaps the sign of a slightly improving economy, they say.
Store managers and owners said there were more local shoppers, and that helped to boost revenue this year
Meanwhile, their counterparts in Port Townsend who were interviewed Monday said traffic remained heavy, but some customers just weren’t able to buy as much as in previous years.
As expected, much of Clallam’s retail focus was placed on Sequim.
Paul Quinn, store manager for J.C. Penney Co., said brisk business began in late November.
“It all started with the day after Thanksgiving, and right up until [Sunday] it was phenomenal,” he said.
He estimated that sales had increased about 15 percent over last year’s.
“The days leading up to Christmas, we had to extend the store hours, even,” he said.
“I think the economy is showing signs of improvement, but more importantly — I’ve stated this before — I think people are being supportive of the [North Olympic] Peninsula and shopping here first.
“Then if they need more gifts, they are going to other areas or online, but they are supporting our local merchants first.
“We have such loyal, loyal customers.”
In downtown Port Angeles, Necessities and Temptations owner Edna Petersen said her store had either been stable or increased sales over last year.
“It is really hard to tell if we are used to the state of the economy or if we are starting to improve,” she said.
She said Christmas Eve was especially busy with last-minute buyers.
“We had a lot of fun — especially with the gentlemen,” she said.
“It is a lot of fun to see them come in and pick things out, and we wrap it up and get it all ready.”
She said children were also delighted to find that the cookies in the store weren’t just reserved for Santa.
Jack Little, menswear buyer for Swain’s General Store in Port Angeles, said he thinks the economic situation has improved.
“We have never had a bad season,” he said, “but I don’t think the economy is quite as bad in Port Angeles as other places.
“This year I think people shopped at home a little more and found that they really liked the local guys.
“We have great support at our store and great customers that we appreciate very much.”
He said all Swain’s departments across the board had seen an improvement.
Port Angeles Walmart Supercenter manager Becky McDonald said there was no way to compare this year’s sales to last year’s because of the recently opened larger store, which now includes a grocery.
“It is such a totally different situation,” she said.
Among Walmart’s best sold products were pillows with stuffed animal heads and paws on them called Pillow Pets.
“I think it surprised a lot of people,” she said, “but those were very popular this year.”
Forks Outfitters owner Burt Paul said the store was about the same in most departments with increases in hardware and fishing gear.
“Hardware and sporting goods were very strong this year,” he said.
“Hardware led our sales increases and fishing and men’s hardware items did very well — tools and that type of thing.”
In downtown Port Townsend, store owners interviewed Monday said that while around the same number of people came in, those customers were not able to buy as much as in previous years.
“We definitely had a lot of people in — especially the last week before Christmas and especially on Christmas Eve,” said Judy Rich, manager of The Green Eyeshade shop.
“It was down just a little bit, but there was a big burst of people right after Thanksgiving and slowed down and then picked up again the week before Christmas.
“I’m not really sure why, but I think it also has to do with the cold weather as well as the economy.
“I also think people are being a little more cautious with their money and not buying as much.”
Rich said the store counts on its strong local customer base and she attributes that to carrying it through the poor economic times.
Joe Ayers, owner of Wandering Angus Celtic Traders, said he, too, had a slight decline in customers.
“I would suppose the reason would be the reduced ferry access and probably the economy,” he said.
Bookstore Phoenix Rising owner Jill Spier said her regular customers were back but with smaller pocketbooks.
“Many people are out of work and money right now,” she said.
“A perfect example is there is an older guy that would come in and he would spend $300 or $500 for gifts, but this year he spent $45.
“He apologized because he didn’t have any money to work with.
“But in general it is a beautiful season because people are thinking of others with warmth, caring and love.
“We always have a nice time, no matter the circumstances.”
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
