Business Brisk for Local Shops
By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff WriterArticle Photos
'Tis the season for shopping galore. Local stores haven't been disappointed and are planning for a busy weekend of last minute shoppers.
Marlene Mallow, owner of Expressions in downtown Elkins, said people are spending less money but are staying local to find many of their gifts.
Already this season, Expressions has had brisk business that is better than last year, Mallow said. Business probably won't slow down this week or over the weekend, Mallow is expecting several customers and has even extended her hours to accommodate their shopping needs. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Expressions will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Today and Wednesday Expressions will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. So far, Mallow said her most popular items have been Yankee Candles and Middleton Dolls.
Third Street Trading Company owner Hope Anderson is also expecting a rush of local shoppers this weekend.
"This is it, it's crunch time," Anderson said.
Many people made trips out of town last weekend and are probably planning to finish their lists in town during the last weekend before Christmas, she explained.
Several sales have brought customers to her downtown shop, Anderson commented. Jewelry, Vera Bradley products and cashmere scarves have been the more popular choices, she said. However, this year she has noticed people are buying one "really nice" gift instead of several small items. Third Street Trading Company will be open until 5:30 p.m. throughout the week and until 7 p.m. on Friday.
Outside of the downtown area, Peebles of Elkins also reported positive sales. Weekends haven't been the only busy time for Peebles, everyday has been active for shoppers, according to a store manager.
"Today we've been crazy," she said Monday.
Other than preparing for a rush this weekend, Peebles is expecting a crowd today because there are special sales for seniors, the manager said.
Telescopes, binoculars and "Perfect Pets" are among customers' favorite gift choices at Peebles, she explained.
Business at Fashion Bug in Elkins has gone well thanks to several sales and days of good weather, explained store manager Lori Crosston.
"We've been crazy lately," Crosston said.
Monday Crosston and her staff were working on markdowns and readying themselves for the final days before Christmas. Crosston added that fine and costume jewelry and fragrance sets have been popular with Fashion Bug patrons.
Wal-Mart in Elkins is also preparing for one of the biggest weekends of 2008, according to store manager David Kesling. So far, the shopping season has gone "very well," Kesling said.
"Biscuit the Dog" and Star Wars figures are Wal-Mart's most popular toys, while laptops, Play Station 3, Wii and video games have been going well in electronics, according to Kesling.
Whether the shopping list is finished or hasn't been started, there are eight days until Christmas arrives.
