Patch tracked down busy entrepreneurs on Monday to find out how Small Business Saturday went in Shorewood, and the response was a unanimous “Great!” followed by a Monday-errand-running, “I have to do a million things today!”
Shorewood staples such as the Garden Room, Anaba Tea Room, Shop, Goldi’s, Harry’s, Oakcrest, William Ho’s, Harley’s had steady traffic over the weekend.
According to Doug McDonald, the general manager at the Garden Room and Anaba Tea Room, traffic was up compared to last year. “We reserve our big holiday sale for the Shorewood BID Stop, Shop and Restore! holiday event on Dec. 8. That being said ... our Friday to Sunday sales this year increased 18% over last year for both stores. This is the first year we promoted a ‘Small Business Saturday’ sale and I definitely think it contributed to the increases in traffic and sales.” The store increased its hours to draw additional business, and will do so again next year having seen positive results.
Liz LeBlanc of Shop also promoted the day and participated in the American Express sales offer. She said, “I think more people are aware of ‘Small Business Saturday,’ and, especially in our area, are aware of supporting local businesses.”
Three Lions, Oakcrest, Harry’s and Harley’s also participated in the promotion.
Three Lions entrepreneur David Price said the shop local sentiment helped businesses, and more people came in with their families than ever before over the weekend. “We are proud to be in the heart of such a fantastic community that take pride in ‘shopping local’ all year round, then make an extra effort over these holidays," he said.
The Waxwing received the “Best New Retailer” award from Shepherd Express just days before the big weekend, and saw steady traffic as well at the store and at the booth at Art vs. Craft downtown.
According to the National Retail Federation, shoppers across the country on Black Friday weekend spent an average of $423, up from $398 last year, and a total of $59.1 billion spilled into retailers' cash registers.
First Timers
A few shops and pubs in Shorewood opened just in time to share the big shopping weekend.
Elements East, Indulgence Chocolatier, Min’s, Camp Bar, Performance Running Outfitters in the new space, and the new Verizon store all opened just days before the big season opener.
Julie Waterman at Indulgence Chocolatier is grateful for the steady traffic and the warm welcome Shorewood shoppers have shown her. The weekend was busy, with “great interactions as well as sales.” She is busy offsite with a kitchen “full of thousands of truffles” which are headed to custom gift baskets — a customer ordered 200 on her first day open. Waterman said: “The consistent traffic in the flagship store in Shorewood makes it easier to keep up with demand and satisfy customers."
Therese Armbruster of Elements East shared Waterman’s feeling of support in the Shorewood community. Having the final touches made in the store in order to open at the crack of 9 on Friday morning, the race was on and it paid off.
"Traffic was great!” said Armbruster of the weekend. “We are so happy to be in such a supportive and welcoming community. Having just opened, we were thrilled to see old friends and lots of new faces! We look forward to a very successful holiday season."
Camp Bar was steady during the day, and "packed" at night, according to bartender Ilana.
All retailers, restaurants and pubs are gearing up for the Dec. 8 "Shop, Walk and Restore" event in Shorewood, where many will offer specials and unique in-store events.
