ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — 'Tis the season for holiday spending, but just how much of that is being done in downtown St. John’s depends on who you talk to.
While some employees in businesses along Water Street told The Telegram Friday things are going well, others say sales have been down.
“It’s really slow this year,” said Shana Hiscock, a sales clerk at Natural Boutique, which specializes in high quality natural products. “People just aren’t spending like they used to.”
Nevertheless, she said, there have been some constant popular items in the store, such as sealskin boots, hats and mittens.
Hiscock said there’s a noticeable difference in the number of people shopping downtown now compared to years ago.
“Even the foot traffic down here isn’t the same,” she said. “I think people are getting lazier and would rather just do their shopping online.”
Hiscock’s co-worker Jenina King added, “Our economy is so bad. I think people want to support local businesses, but they just can’t afford it.”
A businesses owner at a store along the street — who didn’t want to be identified — agrees. He said there are many challenges for downtown shoppers, including parking.
“People have to circle around to find a parking space and then they have to deal with an app to pay for it,” he said. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not giving my credit card number to someone in the Philippines.”
He said he’s noticed that more customers are using credit cards for purchases than in the past, which he said is a sign people don’t have the money to spend.
“People are afraid to spend their money,” he said. “They’re afraid their heat bills are going to double.”
Minnie Liang, who works at Ethno House Boutique — which sells footwear, including Newfoundland and Inuit seal fur products — didn’t want to say too much, but did acknowledge that businesses closing down in the area and relocating has had an impact.
“It affects us all down here,” she said.
Other business owners say they haven’t seen a slowdown — in fact, it's been quite the reverse.
Peg Norman, who owns The Bee’s Knees, which specializes in environmentally friendly products, said her sales have almost doubled this year compared to previous years.
“The store has been on wheels,” she said. “I think people are finding us and are seeing how good it is to shop local. … But I think people are also becoming more aware of the importance of recycling, upcycling, fair trade and handmade products.”
Newfoundand Weavery owner Kim Paddon is also having a good year.
“We’re known as Newfoundland’s Christmas store, so we’re seeing a lot of people in here,” said Paddon, who purchased the business in March.
“Supporting local businesses is becoming trendy, because when you shop local, you’re not just supporting the business, you’re supporting the employees, the artists (whose products are sold in the store) and the local economy.”
