The country's economic recession had a lesser effect than expected on holiday shopping in Hollister, according to some local store owners interviewed by the Free Lance.
With many large, national chains having down numbers and big sales, and some local stores closing shop altogether, Hollister businesses competed well with them this season, store owners said.
"We had a fairly successful season - we moved a lot of merchandise," said Mike O'Connell, owner of Ranchers Feed.
He added that the store had been planning for the tough economic times since last year and didn't bring in much high-end merchandise for sale.
Having planned for a less-than-spectacular turnout for holiday sales, Ranchers Feed placed an emphasis on smaller items. O'Connell said the trends for his store were toward medium-priced, affordable items.
"We sold a lot of clothing and usable items," he said, noting another trend he saw was many shoppers arriving late in the season.
Much like the other stores in town, O'Connell has yet to complete his final numbers. But he estimated that his store did well this year.
"We sold different items," he said. "We didn't show a big increase over two years ago, but I think it is an increase over last year."
Stores like Drapoel/Teezerz didn't offer deep discounts, but had a successful season due to extended hours and a gift-wrapping service, said owner Deborah Wood.
She has not completed her sales reports for the season, but projected she will see an increase over 2007.
"I haven't done all my reports yet, but I think we did better this year than last," Wood said.
Many of the shoppers that did stop in at the store said they appreciated convenient, local businesses, she said.
"People see Hollister, see local businesses and don't want them to go away," Wood said.
She said the majority of shoppers were from the area and that there were quite a few requests for scarves, pointing out that the weather has been cold as of late. Along with scarves, Ugg boots and Brighton jewelry and accessories were the major sellers, she said.
Sales at Muenzer's Cyclery and Sports Center weren't as solid as last year, but owner Jerry Muenzer said they were "okay." Popular items at his shop were skateboards and related accessories, as well as NorCal clothing, he said.
On the lower end of the price spectrum, Hazel's thrift store was another local business that fared well this holiday season. Co-manager Alice Farnham said it was a great season and added: "The last week that we were open was a bit slower than the week before - which was fantastic." Although the numbers for the season won't be calculated until the store reopens on Jan. 5, Farnham seems confident that the shop did well.
While Hazel's is a bit different that the average retail store - relying on the same local clientele, operating with a volunteer staff and selling pre-owned merchandise - it still offers sales on some items.
"We did have some sales," Farnham said. "Our Christmas stuff was half price. Our clothes were half price, which are not very expensive to start with."
Colin McConville Colin McConville is a reporter with the Hollister Free Lance. You can reach him by email or at (831) 637-5566.
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