Eau Claire (WQOW) - Small businesses in the area were
looking to get a head start on the shopping season this weekend. Downtown Eau Claire's Holiday Season
Opener was this weekend.
"The holiday or the
Christmas season is probably the biggest season of the year for most retail
businesses, and we really depend on that," said Jane Wolf, who owns Silver
Feather on Barstow Street.
Some Eau Claire businesses aren't waiting for Thanksgiving.
Several downtown shops took part in a holiday season opener this weekend.
"The holiday season
opener coincides with the gun deer opener, so of course it's a busy shopping
season for those who aren't hunting to perhaps go out and enjoy all of the
things that we have going on. We have refreshments, and open houses, and all sorts
of things...prizes for all of the districts of downtown," said Downtown
Eau Claire's Salina Heller.
"Our product is
different. We have interesting menus in the restaurants, the pubs are a very
unique atmosphere, and then in my own business at Details, the product is very
unique. We have cashmere sweaters, and cashmere socks, and things you wouldn't
find in big box stores," said Mickey Judkins, who owns Details Direct on Water Street.
The variety isn't the only thing
that has shoppers out and about ahead of Black Friday.
"It's not crowded,
it's just nice. We can grab some lunch down here, have some coffee, see some
cool things. You just don't find that if you're going to one of the big box
stores," said shopper Kari Dahl.
"You're not just
selling stuff, you're selling a whole experience. And the downtown works for
that, where it doesn't work for the big malls or department stores. You just
can't create that atmosphere," said Wolf.
Some business owners say they've
seen bigger crowds this weekend than they have all year.
"It's been very
busy today, we've just been trying to get the store put back together, because
people have certainly come out, it's been a lot of fun. We've seen people
strolling the street, enjoying the weather, we were blessed with beautiful
weather," said Judkins.
Businesses on Grand Avenue, Barstow
Street and the Phoenix
Park neighborhood took
part in the Holiday Season Opener. Water Street also celebrated their Holiday
Block Party as part of the event.
