Paul Teague

pteague@newstopic.net

As the holiday shopping season officially kicks off today with “Black Friday” sales, Caldwell County merchants are hoping the ring of the cash register will help make them merry and bright.

Local retailers have spent the past few weeks preparing for the Christmas rush, which Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Deborah Ashley said is important to the bottom-line health of companies.

“I think merchants are depending on our community to assure their continued success,” Ashley said. “Shopping locally first can make a difference on if businesses are still going to be around next year.”

Ashley added that holiday shopping gives customers a chance to educate themselves about local businesses. She also noted the importance of keeping sales tax revenue in the county by supporting local companies.

“(Sales tax) provides the funding for us to have very much needed services,” Ashley said.

Joan Kris – owner of Krishall’s, a restaurant and gift shop in downtown Lenoir – recognizes many county residents are facing difficult economic times. But she said spending the dollars that are out there on local companies can lead to a healthy recovery.

“The only way we are going to get out of this mess is to do something to help out the county,” Kris said. “I hope that people will take advantage of the different retail stores here.”

Kris said her company specializes in creating gift arrangements that often include home decor and Christmas-themed items. Along with teapots, cups and saucers, she said another popular item is Vidalia onion salsa.

At the other end of the county, Mike Mackie – owner of Mackie’s Furniture in downtown Granite Falls – doubts sales will be much different than a year ago, though he hopes people will give his store a chance to earn their business.

Though noted for furniture sales, Mackie said his store also offers appliances and electronics, including flat panel televisions that figure to be popular once again this year.

“We try to offer people value in the product,” Mackie said. “We believe people are made happier when they buy a quality product.”

Aside from televisions, Mackie said recliners remain a holiday staple, along with jewelry armoires.

“We hope things will pick up,” Mackie said. “We’re doing some business and, of course, everybody would like to have more.”

One retailer who reports being able to buck the overall trend is Bill Warren, owner of the The Gold Mine in downtown Hudson. He said business continues to be brisk, even if shoppers remain cautious in their overall spending.

“I’m seeing lots of traffic, but maybe folks aren’t buying the bigger ticket items like they once did,” Warren said. “If they were spending $5,000 in years gone by, they are now spending $1,000. And if it was $500, now it is $100 or $200.

“They are buying a lot of the smaller items. People are still buying, but we are having to work harder to get it.”

Aside from his traditional jewelry business, Warren said clients continue to take advantage of soaring gold prices to sell their unwanted valuables for cash.

“That business is through the roof,” he said.

As for the holiday season, Warren said Chamilia sterling silver bead jewelry has been quite popular, particularly for those on frugal budgets. He added that bridal and engagement jewelry items traditionally do well.

“It seems there are a lot of people getting married this time of year or engaged,” Warren said.

Warren also said plans are in the works for another finder’s keepers treasure hunt. Last year, the store packaged gifts throughout Hudson, and Warren said he expects to announce details for this year’s event in the next week or two.