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Published on 12/29/1997 All articles from this issue

Santa good to local retailers - sales up

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By Carol Tiegs / Town Crier Staff Writer

Local customer support and a strong economy are among the factors Los Altos merchants are crediting for a good holiday retail season. For many, it was the best ever.

"We were up about 10 percent. I'm satisfied with that," said Ray Borzoni of Down Home Gifts and Jewelry at 316 Main St. He said a strong economy has meant average increases of 10-15 percent for Northern California retailers.

"We had a great Christmas, absolutely wonderful. Our thanks to everybody," said Carol Brudno of Something Special, at 363 State St. The store had a "very successful" Beanie baby drawing, she said, and their introduction of fresh flowers and English garden-style flower arrangements has also been popular.

Simonne Tregon of Cambric Ltd. clothing store at 197 Second St. said this holiday season was "better than ever." She give thanks for "the support of local people who check here for gifts before they'll go to the malls." Tregon said the new Circa furniture store she and her husband own on First Street enjoyed a good first holiday season.

And for Expressions at 252 Main St. it was "a fabulous season, the best ever," according to Gretchen McPhail.

"It started late but went well - up from last year," said Marita Frick, manager of the three-year-old Journey Junque at 160 Main St. Jim Havlice of Language Quest Software, 308 State St., hadn't put numbers to it yet but said the season was "better than last year."

"Our holiday season was really good and our after-Christmas sale is going well too," said Claire Flipp of Finders Keepers at 205 Main St. "We came out the same as last year, certainly not less, so we're satisfied." It wasn't just downtown retails who enjoyed a good season.

"We've had a fabulous season, probably the best since being in Rancho Center," said Rose Hartman of Hartman Fashions in the Rancho Center on Foothill Expressway at Springer Road. She said a fully-leased center and the recent opening of Clark's Charcoal Broiler have had a positive impact on business.

And for Demo Sports at 4500 El Camino Real, good snow is good for business.

"It was great," said Greg Chandley, co-owner of the ski and sports equipment store. "We're still in the holiday season. It hasn't slowed down since the middle of November.

"It's been more than we expected, but we've been able to keep up and we're having fun."

Amid the good cheer, however, some retailers expressed concerns about rising rents and closing businesses.

"The rent is what's depressing," Flipp said. Finders Keepers' rent went up $200 per month in November and will go up again next November, she said.

"The holidays were fine - good but not great," said Lynda Newlon of 10-year-old Acacia clothing store at 210 Main St. "We had a lot to compete with the department store sales."

"The holiday season runs through New Year's for us so I can't tell fully yet," Newlon said, but she thought sales were "up a little" over last year.

"What's depressing is seeing businesses closing," Newlon said.

She pointed to Linens of Los Altos across Main Street from Acacia, where signs announce owner Shirley Krongard's retirement and a close-out sale beginning Jan. 2.