By Trisha Black
Guest Writer
The National Retail Federation projected a 1 percent decline in national retail sales during the 2009 holiday season. This was not the case in downtown Athens. Several businesses report record sales and significant increases from last year.
Crawford’s Gifts, U.G. White, Pimento’s, Gray & Holt, and Trinity’s reported retail sales were up during the holidays.
“Crawford’s Gifts had a record December,” said Regina Crawford, owner of Crawford’s Gifts. “Many customers commented on convenience, customer service and great variety. Out-of-town customers loved the personal service and safety of shopping in downtown Athens.”
Pete Woodward of U.G. White General Mercantile said, “Not only were sales to local shoppers up from last year but there was a noticeable change in our customer base. Many folks from Decatur, Huntsville, Hartselle, Scottsboro, Florence, Harvest and other surrounding areas visited our Downtown Square for the first time.”
Ty Strickland, owner of Trinity’s, reported that in addition to the increase in sales, they had more travelers looking for small-town experiences. “We had a couple from Washington D.C. that makes visiting small towns a hobby. They pull out a map, and look for places to visit. They not only visited downtown Athens, they shopped too.”
It isn’t surprising to see a rise in heritage tourism in Athens.
Tourism trends indicate people are looking for that history, experience and quaint atmosphere.
Jerry Sandlin, owner of Luvici’s restuarant, said a tour group in Ohio recently contacted him to book dinner reservations in 2011.
Many shoppers not able to travel placed online orders this year.
David Bennett of Bennett’s Department Store, receives orders from across the nation.
According to Griggs, Gray & Holt’s mail orders doubled from last year. Many downtown businesses are reaping the benefits of social media with business Web sites, Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.
Strickland also said offering exclusive items is another reason local shoppers visit downtown businesses. “For example, Trinity’s is the only store in Athens that carries Vera Bradley, which is a huge draw for collectors of that line,” said Strickland.
Gray & Holt saw an increase in its shirt sales, which are often featured in their commercials. They offer Carhartt, Browning logo, Cotton logo, and the Gray & Holt “Downtown Square” shirts in a variety of colors.
Restaurants also enjoyed an increase in sales.
Josh Tarokh, co-owner of Village Pizza, said his restaurant had a lot of first-timers and an influx of college students visiting family during the holidays. “We saw the same groups coming back,” he said.
In fact, sales were so good, according to Tarokh, it didn’t hurt for them to be closed New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Tarokh attributes the increased success for downtown businesses to a good retail mix, and unique setting.
“Athens’ downtown has a lot to offer visitors and shoppers. We can all work together to let those folks know we appreciate and welcome them,” said Woodward. “Our downtown offers a shopping environment that is hard to beat.”
Trisha Black is director of Spirit of Athens, a downtown revitalization organization.
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