Local Retailers Voice Mixed Reaction To Holiday Season

The sun was shining and the temperatures admittedly well above a late November average. Yet, downtown Sidney businesses had shoppers seeking early season deals.

Pat Finney, owner of Ace Hardware, said she is pleased with how the holiday shopping started. Beginning with Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, she reports business has been good.

"We've been busy. They weather has been nice. People are decorating outside," she said.

Viaero Wireless of Sidney also reported a good start. However, even though sales did not start as strong as hoped, store manager Justin Reimers does expect a surge in December.

"I definitely look for an uptick in December," he said.

Veronica Phelps, owner of KISST Organics, said she was busy with customers but would like to see an increase as well.

"I had a fair amount of traffic," she said. "Sales were not what she expected."

She said she is hoping sales increase as people become more familiar with her location on Illinois Street and as the holiday season progresses.

Madison Boddigton at Moose & Goose also reported a good start to Christmas sales. While sales may not be keeping track with previous years, they are an improvement over recent numbers.

"Our sales were quite a bit better than previous weeks and months," she said. "We were pleasantly surprised."

Diann Steffens reports good news at Steffens Home Interiors, Inc., and Steffens Appliance Center.

"We're doing great," she said. "So far it has kicked off pretty good."

She said sales at both locations is starting better than last year.

Katy Heineman, owner of Shirt Tales at 831 10th Ave., reports good news since Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

"We had a lot of people out," she said.

Sidney Floral and Gift Shop owner Kim Johnson says her business has been at least what she expected.

"So far, my traffic, my door, has been fantastic," she said. "It's everything I could hope for. I'm just glad to see people come through the door."

Tom Birner of Western Drug is not seeing the same optimism as other retailers.

"It is picking up as normal," Birner said.

He added that overall spending at the store is down. He cited uncertainty as a reason for the slow sales.

Sara Cottrell, co-owner of Basick Creations at the French Door Antique Mall, said they started their holiday sales early in November. Black Friday and Small Business Saturday were really good, she said.

"We've been really busy," she said.