by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
By most accounts, the last week of 2010 was a moneymaking time for Downtown retailers. In some cases, it was described as a record when holiday shopping was combined with the influx of out-of-town fans who came for the Progressive Gator Bowl college football game.
In a report released in October, the National Retail Federation predicted holiday sales would increase by 2.3 percent, compared to the 0.4 percent increase in sales in 2009 and the 3.9 percent holiday sales decline retailers slogged through in 2008.
Based on sales in the last two months of the year, those predictions were conservative for some Downtown retailers.
“Fantastic,” said Bill Barnett, owner of Barnett Jewelers at Independent Square, describing the 2010 shopping season. “Customers kept coming in the store until we closed on Christmas Eve. I think it’s the second-biggest holiday season we’re had in the last 10 years. Maybe it’s a good sign.”
At Hemming Plaza Jewelers, owner Juan Gonzalez agreed that 2010 marked a turnaround for retail.
“We did 68 percent more business this year than last year. The entire year was up substantially. I’d call 2010 a record year for the store,” he said.
Gonzalez said two reasons were the store’s central location Downtown at Hogan and Monroe streets and the store’s strong advertising.
Around the corner at Jacobs Jewelers, owner Roy Thomas also said the 2010 holiday shopping patterns were an improvement over 2009.
“It always could have been better, but we’re satisfied. Sales were a little ahead of last year and we sold more larger ticket items this year,” said Thomas.
Doug Ganson, owner of the Sundrez card and gift store at the Landing, said the holiday season was a little “soft,” but “I’m satisfied with the results for the year, even with the economy.”
He said the game’s match-up of the University of Michigan and Mississippi State University helped to spike sales in the store last week and over the New Year’s weekend.
“The Gator Bowl made us money. The fans arrived early in the week and they behaved themselves and had a good time. The crowd came back to the Landing in force Saturday night after the game. The Mississippi State fans came here to revel in their victory,” said Ganson.
Another Landing retailer, the Adams Class Naval Ship Museum, also experienced an uptick in business from the visiting football fans.
“Friday was the best day we’ve had in a long time,” said museum volunteer Pat Stroud.
Kris Kiger, co-owner of Northstar The Pizza Bar on East Bay Street, said the new route for the Hometown Gator Bowl Parade brought a lot of customers to the restaurant and lounge. The procession turned this year at Bay and Newnan streets, half a block from his location.
“Friday we were busy from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday was slower, but steady. I think both teams traveled well,” said Kiger.
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