On Christmas Eve Reg Grant of Grant Jewelers expected to come in conduct a few last-minute sales, close up early and go home to enjoy some eggnog. But instead it was his busiest day of the Christmas season.
Sarah Panzarella of the artisan gallery Image and Image That, which have combined into one business, known simply as “Image That,” echoed Grant’s sentiment. Christmas Eve was busier than usual, which really helped because the two weeks of unexpected lake effect snow, slowed business down a bit in the village. People just don’t want to drive out in that kind of weather, she said.
She also noted that combining the two businesses was a good move, making for an overall good year in 2010.
Local residents Ann and David Neibert bought the village’s pet supplies store, Artistocats & Dogs this year, and have really been enjoying the experience.
“I’m having a blast,” Dave said.
He said that people who own pets are nice to begin with, so when they come in to the store they are happy and always in a good mood.
Visitors to the village will stop in to buy their pet waiting at home a treat. They are always sharing pictures of their pets, which are on their cell phones. People are also welcome to bring their pets into the shop, which always makes for conversation and good spirits. Dave said business in 2010 met their expectations.
Cate Davis and Sally Mason were both in their shop, Cate & Sally. They reported that 2010 was a good year overall. Their December was not stellar, but December is actually a slower time in their shop.
“We’re always ready to start spring,” Cate said.
Sally Allen, who manages the Country Ewe, said that enlarging their store really helped business. Being able to carry more merchandise, gave people more to choose from, so purchasing was up in 2010.
Steve Condi manager of Roland’s Men’s & Boys’ & Girls’ Wear agreed. He has carried Columbia and Woolrich for years, but took on three new lines, Keene Footwear, Smartwool and Northface this year.
“November was insane,” he said.
He brought in $100,000 in Northface products alone, and was rewarded in sales going out the door, making the investment the absolute right thing to have done.
Sandy Schmidt at Fluer de Lis said, “We rocked!”
Her floral business had weddings right up until Dec. 23. Her problem was that she and her staff were really overworked, “We could have used more help,” she said.
Bill Lynn of Johnny Angel’s Heavenly Burgers said his 2010 was really strong, which saved him, as he had some unusual expenses to contend with. First his sidewalk had to be replaced, then his ice machine quit. You wouldn’t think ice would be such a big deal, but a new machine is $8,000. Lynn had determined that it would be cheaper for him to just buy ice from Holiday Ice, but last summer the ice company couldn’t keep up with demand, making Lynn’s investment in a new machine necessary.
Overall the downtown businesses were pleased with their sales in 2010. It wasn’t a record year, but it certainly wasn’t a bust.
Who and where:
Grant Jewelers, 88 E. Genesee St.
Imagine That, 38 E. Genesee St.
Aristocats & Dogs, 62 E. Genesee St.
Cate & Sallys, 58 E. Genesee St.
The Country Ewe, 18 E. Genesee St.
Fluer-de-Lis Florist, 26 E. Genesee St.
Roland’s Men’s & Boys’ & Girls’ Wear, 14 E. Genesee St.
Johnny Angel’s Restaurant, 22 Jordan St.
