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November 27, 2009

Shopping day also boosts smaller stores

'If shoppers are buying, it's good for us and it's good for the area'

By ANNA JOLLY

PLATTSBURGH — Beyond the door-buster deals at big-box stores, cash registers were also ringing at smaller shops this Black Friday.

Traffic remained heavy on Route 3 in Plattsburgh Friday afternoon, but that was just fine for Camry Church, owner of Lola's Closet.

Her clothing shop opened earlier than normal, 7 a.m., to offer customers 20 to 25 percent off their purchases.

"We had special deals for the first 50 customers," she said. "The promotions definitely helped, and business has been good."

Black Friday attracts all types of shoppers, Church said. While some are hunting for deals on a big-screen TV, others are looking for specialty items, like designer clothes or unique holiday decorations.

In the two Black Fridays that Lola's Closet has been open, Church has learned that customers turn out for the deals.

"Business is definitely better than a normal Friday."

PERSONAL TOUCH
General Trading Company, located across Smithfield Boulevard from Target, also opened earlier for Black Friday. Target stores across the country let the crowds in at 5 a.m., and General Trading Company opened at 9.

"We didn't open as early as the larger stores," said shop owner Susan Coffey. "We find that once people are out shopping, they tend to stay out for the day."

Customers were keeping the extra staff busy Friday afternoon with a line at General Trading Company's front cash register and jewelry counter.

Big-box stores always offer great deals, and it's difficult to compete on that level, Coffey said.

Nevertheless, the women's accessory designer Vera Bradley offered some Black Friday deals through General Trading Company.

Free gift wrapping and personal customer service also attract shoppers, Coffey said.

Other small touches, such as free food samples, differentiate small businesses from retail giants.

"People like a variety of shopping experiences," Coffey said. "That's what makes small businesses stand out."

'GOOD FOR THE AREA'
According to the National Retail Federation, around 134 million people were expected hit the stores Friday, Saturday or Sunday. That's about 6 million more shoppers than last year.

Of those 134 million, 66 percent were expected to shop at their favorite big-box store. About 36 percent planned to buy from a clothing or accessories store.

That estimated spike in business nationwide was evident at General Trading Company, which was steady throughout the day. Some of those shoppers filter over from Champlain Centre, and others are looking for unique products, like Pandora jewelry, Coffey said.

Regardless of shoppers' preferences, Coffey is pleased with the turnout so far this holiday shopping season.

"If shoppers are buying, it's good for us and it's good for the area."

UPBEAT MOOD
Trish Mihal, owner of Meyer Gifts in the Plattsburgh Plaza, shares the same business optimism. The gift store gave customers a free ornament with purchase as a Black Friday gift.

"People seem to be in better moods for Black Friday," she said. "They are looking for those extras, and they don't mind waiting a while."

Based on the business for Black Friday, she's hoping customers are back and ready to spend.

"We've already had to do some reorders."

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