Purchase Street Stores Lure Holiday Shoppers

On a frigid night, siblings Samantha and Ben Lee stood in front of a camera man while they posed and frolicked in front of a red backdrop.

Adorned in black tops and khaki pants, the two took part in a photo shoot to surprise their mother, Jody, with a sentimental Christmas gift — a holiday photo of themselves. The two were not in a Walmart or Sears, but at Rye Camera, which was open three hours longer than usual. 

The small camera shop on Purchase Street is one of many local stores trying to lure holiday shoppers before Christmas. Small businesses are putting in extra effort this holiday season, as they compete in a weak economy with big box retailers like Walmart and Target who began slashing prices on Black Friday.

Anja Porto, owner of Rye Camera, was pleased that residents were shopping locally during the holidays.

"We are trying to be of service to help customers enjoy the holidays with photo shoots and custom Christmas cards," Porto said. "In Rye I think people like to support local businesses because at times they don't find what they need in some big stores. Each store here is unique."

Americans intend to spend less on Christmas gifts this year than they did last year, according to a recent Gallup poll. On average, shoppers plan to spend $740 on gifts this Christmas compared to more than $800 in 2008 and more than $900 in 2007.

The Rye Chamber of Commerce encouraged holiday spending on Purchase Street by promoting candlelight shopping events earlier this month. Store owners participated by providing drinks and other goodies in their stores or by extending store hours. Customers were able to shop in many Purchase Street stores until 10 p.m. — five hours longer than usual.  

Adam Freidman, owner of Great Stuff, a woman's apparel and accessories store, said that business was doing so well he's considering keeping his store open for longer hours during the holiday shopping season.

"Our hopes are high and we are optimistic," he said. "We are excited because the merchandise is exciting and new and we are seeing a good season."

Cheryl Zeitlin, manager of Shoes 'N' More, also said many people are shopping locally.

"A lot of people came in and said that they were trying to support the local stores," she said. "Business has been OK, but not like other seasons." 

Ana Sobalvarro, owner of Blush, a specialty store for skin products and spa services, said that her business was doing well this season, but that customers were still buying many of their Christmas gifts from bigger retailers.

"It is better than we expected [because of] the way the economy is," Sobalvarro said as she arranged refreshments of cheese, crackers and sparkling cider for customers. "But, more people are supporting Walmarts and department stores."

Samantha Lee, 17, a first-time customer of Rye Camera, said she decided to shop locally because she thought smaller businesses, like those on Purchase Street, would be more attentive to customers.

"I have never been here before," she said. "Our aunt and mother have been here before and I thought that because it is a small business it would probably have better customer service than one of the big department stores."

But Lee said she probably wouldn't do most of her Christmas shopping at local stores. She isn't going to any big department stores, either. She'll search for merchandise right from the comfort of her own home.

"I do most of my Christmas shopping online," she said.