PORT TOWNSEND — The first shopping weekend of the holiday season proved fruitful for many downtown merchants, who reported sales exceeding last year’s opener.
“It feels better than last year,” said Steve Sutorius, co-owner of the Wildernest Outdoor store, 929 Water St.
“It seems like people are a little more free, and feel inclined to spend money instead of waiting.”
Sutorius said customers drove up sales all day on Friday, causing the store to close 30 minutes late.
More than a dozen proprietors of Water Street stores also reported sales improving from the previous stagnant couple of years.
But others queried said that holiday season success is too early to predict.
But they, too, were happy with the first weekend’s results.
“It’s tantalizing,” said Mari F. Mullen, executive director of Port Townsend Main Street program.
“It seems like the season is picking up.”
Merchant Open House
This weekend, Main Street held a Merchant Open House for businesses in downtown Port Townsend.
Participating stores stayed open until 7 p.m., and many held specials to attract more customers, who filled downtown sidewalks following Thanksgiving family gatherings.
In its effort to promote shopping in local stores, Main Street brought a variety of attractions such as horse and carriage rides and Christmas carolers, who sang next to store entrances.
“The idea is to encourage people to shop here first,” said Mullen.
“We want them to come and have fun and enjoy the town.”
Efforts appear to pay off
According to store owners, many visitors did just that.
“Friday was great,” said Lois Venarchick, owner of a Wynwoods Gallery and Bead Studio, 940 Water St.
“First time I’ve seen happy customers since before the elections.”
Venarchick said the customer turnout at her store was better than post-Thanksgiving last year, with Saturday picking up after a slow morning start.
Swain’s Outdoor, 1121 Water St., also stayed busy on Friday.
Many shoppers returned on Saturday, though it started a bit slower.
“With the current economy, people are a bit more reserved, but that’s understandable,” said store manager Cathy Mosher.
Other merchants said they were pleased with the large number of visitors to town.
Some said the early burst was promising, but it was too early to predict how the season will go.
Owners of Sport Townsend, 1044 Water St., said they saw a lot of customers in their store, but felt it was to early to tell what December will bring.
Raffle tickets
As an extra spending incentive, shoppers received raffle tickets with their purchases. Main Street Program organizers will draw the winning ticket next Saturday, Mullen said.
The lucky ticket holder will receive a jackpot worth $2,000 in Town Dollars to be spend in Port Townsend stores.
Dry weather Friday and Saturday didn’t hurt, either.
“It’s been a good kickoff for the holidays,” said Sue Arthur, owner of Maricee Casuals store, 913 Water St.
“People are enthused about the sweepstakes, and the weather makes a difference.”
Many stores held in-store sale specials to coincide with the open house and entice spending. Most provided refreshments and cookies.
Managers of the clothing store, About Time, Timeless Fashions, 839 Water St., said they had “phenomenal sales” on Friday.
Gloves, socks, and warm winter hats were popular items.
The store held a coat sale to coincide with the Merchant Open House weekend, which helped to boost its sales.
“Friday was real good — better than last year,” said Dan Butler, owner of Fudge and Treasures gift shop, 1046 Water St.
“A lot of day traffic came from the Seattle area,” Butler said Saturday.
“Yesterday, (customers) bought a lot of little stuff, and a lot of fudge.”
