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With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season largely behind them and now that the presents have been opened and the credit cards put away, retailers are surveying their shopping season. They’re finding this year was disappointing.
Shop owners and sales associates said this season wasn’t as profitable or as busy as last year. “I don’t know if people were shopping online or what,” said Azura Manager Raven Potts.
Critter Beach employee Wayne Baker said the season was disappointing. “We have high hopes for the upcoming season, because we’re moving our store across the street to Rehoboth Avenue,” he said. Baker said he thought people spent their Christmas money on big-ticket items, such as flat-screen televisions or computers. “The little stuff just wasn’t moving this year,” he said. And little items, including pet leashes, toys and food dishes are just what Critter Beach carries.
Other retailers agreed that small accessories, which usually sell well during the holidays, didn’t move off the shelves quickly this year. Jewelry was slumpish at Bella Luna and Azura.
“We sold a ton of sparkly snowflake earrings, but that’s about it. Jewelry is usually my big item, but not this year,” said Bella Luna owner Janice Elder. Instead, customers bought holiday ornaments, decorations and whimsical home accessories.
Although small accessories weren’t as successful, Elder said the 2006 Christmas season was better than last. “The weather was nice, and there was no construction. At one point last year I didn’t have a sidewalk,” she said. Overall, Elder said, annual sales were better last year than this year. “I guess my shoulder seasons weren’t as good,” she said.
Azura had more last-minute shoppers, and the store wasn’t busy for the full month of December, Potts said. “We were busy on Thanksgiving weekend and then dead right up until Christmas,” she said. A big sale that Azura didn’t have last year enticed some to come in and shop. When shoppers did arrive, they bought winter wear, including jackets, sweaters and purses, but not as much jewelry as last year.
“We were busier last year, but I have no idea why,” Potts said.
In Lewes, Aquamarine on Market had a good year, owner Maureen Botti said. “I was surprised that half our sales were people putting together their holiday attire, and half was gifts for other people,” she said. Botti said she is looking forward to an after-holiday sale, which includes merchandise at up to 50 percent off. “I’m a firm believer that once the season is over, it’s time for a big sale,” she said. The sale started Thursday, Dec. 28.
Locals and visitors are combing shops to find good deals after the holidays. Occasional shoppers were scattered in downtown Rehoboth looking for good deals, and many said they found them. Most customers in shops are from out of town, trying to destress after the holidays and take advantage of mid-winter sales.
“We got some good deals on books,” said Betty Lesser of Silver Spring, Md. She and Susan Lesser are staying in Rehoboth for a few days to recuperate from a busy holiday season and to stock up on presents for themselves.
“We’re here for just a little visit. We like this time to browse and find very good deals,” Betty said.
On the other side of the bargain bin of jewelry that did not make it underneath the tree or in a stocking, was Renee Preston of Trenton, NJ. “I’m just getting away from the holiday,” she said. Preston said she usually shops at the outlet malls when she visits Rehoboth, but she wanted to look around downtown this time of year. “This is an opportunity to shop around in the little, unique and wonderful shops,” she said. Preston usually avoids downtown because of the large summer crowds and lack of parking, but this time of year is nice, she said. “There are also lots of deals and sales,” she said.
Most shops in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach are open with sales through the new year.
Contact Molly Albertson at malbertson@capegazette.com
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