Local stores see boost in sales

December 16, 2011|By Clifton French (cfrench@wsbt.com), Click here to follow Clifton on Twitter | By Clifton French (cfrench@wsbt.com), Click here to follow Clifton on Twitter

SOUTH BEND -- The National Retail Federation says it expects holiday sales for the November-December period to rise 3.8 percent. The trade group had projected a rise for that same time frame but originally not as much, just 2.8 percent.

So how are local retailers doing? A snapshot of local shops show local businesses are also cashing in.

"We have a constant flow of traffic and people are buying too," said Made in Michiana Co-Owner Kitty Cooney Hoye.

Made in Michiana is a consignment shop that sells arts and crafts. It's one of about five pop-up shops that are occupying empty store fronts rent free during the holiday season. But Cooney Hoye says business is going so well they're thinking about staying.

"The response has been so positive that we're talking with folks and planning on moving forward after the pop-up season," Cooney Hoye said, "Whether it's here in the downtown location or somewhere else, we think we'll be moving forward."

Imagine That Toys started as a pop-up downtown last year. The toy store signed a lease to stay in the location through the year. In only two weeks, the store has already surpassed its holiday sales from last year.

"In the first 14 days of December, our sales exceeded five weeks of November through the end of December last year," owner Marlene Hollenkamp said.

In its original location in Mishawaka, Imagine That is doing just as well.

"It's really good," Hollenkamp said, "I'd like to be modest about it, but we're up about 28 percent over last year, which is an inordinate amount."

At Flourish Boutique located at Gumwood Road and State Road 23 business is also booming. Web sales manager Lauri Balla says sales are about double this holiday season from one year ago.

"I think the confidence is getting better," Balla said, "I think people are just tired of the recession. They're not going to do it anymore."

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