Slow Season May Be Ahead for Local Businesses

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but some local stores may find themselves still looking for the Christmas shoppers.

Albert LiCata, Executive Director of the Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce, said local commerce in Basking Ridge has not been immune to the state of the economy.

"It's down completely, probably 30 percent over last year, and last year wasn't a stellar year, either," LiCata said. "Local businesses have been getting hammered, absolutely hammered, in regard to the economy, so we're hoping that people continue to think locally this holiday season, because that's who supports their local towns and greater area."

To remind shoppers about the small and medium-size businesses in their local area, the Chamber of Commerce sponsors its annual holiday parade, to be held this year on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7pm in Liberty Corner.

Catherine Cotter, the owner of Somerset Hills Florist on S. Finley Ave, said it is difficult to predict exactly what this season will look like for her business.
"You never quite know till you're in it," she said. "I anticipate to be at the same level as last year, which is not as strong as it's been in years past, but I think we'll be just as good as we were last year."

She said that while the store might be down slightly in the volume of orders, what people are spending on individuals orders is similar to past years. She keeps a broad assortment of items in the store to be able to create whatever customers request. "We're ready for everybody," she said.

She has noticed one interesting characteristic about this season already, however.

"I think people are in a very generous spirit because it's been a very hard year for a lot of people, so I'm definitely seeing people reach out to give gifts to people," she said. "Christmas spirit is definitely in the air."

Other stores are hoping for busier sales, even beyond Christmas. Pat Reiley, one of the owners of The Fabric Yard on S. Maple Ave., said that while the store is not necessarily geared toward the Christmas season, it has still been busier lately than it was at this time last year.

"We're encouraged, looking for a busy season," she said. After Christmas, in January, many people begin to look for new items for decorating and freshening up their homes, according to Reiley, which is when business for her will gear up. "We're optimistic," she said.