By Howard Koplowitz
The enticement of deep discounts was not enough to bring shoppers to Austin Street with most retailers saying they had a miserable day of sales the on the critical day after Christmas because of heavy rains.
But despite the weather Saturday, holiday retail sales were up over last year.
Scott Krugman, spokesman for the National Retail Federation, said the week after Christmas can account for between 10 percent and 15 percent of a retailer’s holiday sales.
“Christmas doesn’t end on the 25th if you’re a retailer,” he said. “So we’re not at the finish line yet.”
But the winter squalls were not kind to store owners on the day after Christmas, historically a big day for retailers when post-holiday sales kick off and shoppers rush in to return gifts.
“It’s been a real disaster,” said Leonard Karpf, owner of Austin Shoes, of Dec. 26 sales. “I’m running sales. It’s not helping very much.”
Holiday retail sales increased by 3.6 percent from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, according to The New York Times. In 2008, sales declined 2.3 percent from 2007 as the recession took its toll on shopping.
Karpf and other business owners put some blame on the weather, with heavy rains blanketing the area.
“When you are a street store and not in a mall, weather does play havoc,” he said.
“It’s moving, but not the way it’s supposed to be,” said Oscar Gonzalez, owner of Dare 4 Man, where jackets and other items were buy one, get one half-off. “Today’s been really slow. Maybe because people go to the mall for the big sales.”
An employee at Via Veneto Fashions who only wanted to be identified by his first name, Edwed, said certain merchandise was as much as 70 percent off, but it was not enough to foster sales.
“Business is slow,” he said. “It’s raining.”
But at NY Boutique, a jewelry store, the manager said the rainy day did not dampen sales.
“People have been coming. People are out looking for bargains,” said Michael, who asked that his last name not be used for security reasons.
Michael said people were still interested in diamond jewelry and noted that his prices on gold jewelry did not go up as the price of gold rose sharply, attributing for more sales.
“I think it’s because [people are] making a decision to get one beautiful thing instead of several smaller things,” Michael said as to why business was stronger. “Diamonds are still a hot commodity.”
NY Boutique was running sales of up to 50 percent on select items, 25 percent off watches and diamonds up to 20 percent off. Michael said the store makes 80 percent of its jewelry on-site, which drives prices down.
Karpf said the lack of sales went beyond the weather.
“This economy is not what it’s cracked up to be and the banks don’t want to help us. They’re not interested in helping the small business man,” he said.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
