Moses Lake merchants mixed on holiday season

MOSES LAKE - 'Tis the season … or maybe 'tisn't.

Response is mixed amongst some downtown Moses Lake merchants over how the holiday season is going so far.

"Of course, you're getting some good and some wanting more," Moses Lake Business Association Executive Director Sally Goodwin said. "They're saying there's lots of people looking, there's lots of people on the sidewalks, on the streets. Basically, there's a lot more foot traffic this year than they've experienced before."

November was record-breaking for many merchants, but has gotten soft in December, Goodwin said.

"It was a little better earlier than it is right now, but those that are open Sunday and extended Thursday evenings are doing blockbuster jobs," Goodwin said. "There are those who are not using the extended hours and Sunday, and they say they don't work for them. Well, it doesn't work when you're not open."

Goodwin said several merchants have received thanks from people downtown for a safe, pedestrian-friendly area.

"I think it really did what it was intended to do, and it's working well," she said of the renovation of Third Avenue and Sinkiuse Square. "Some merchants better than others."

Walk-in traffic at Baby, Naturally! hasn't been so good, owner Adrienne Strickland said.

"I don't think it's bounced back yet from the construction," she said. "It's coming, we see it improving, but I think there's still a ways to go. We've had some days where there's been a nice amount of traffic, but a lot of them - it's still a little quiet overall downtown."

Strickland's online traffic, begun in about September, has been keeping the store in business.

"It's a much wider audience for my product," she said. "I think that's primarily the reason behind it."

On-site traffic is down, but Strickland believes she's doing five times the business she was doing in the past because of the online aspect of the business.

"I think it can continue to do just fine and still offer service to Moses Lake because we're able to keep the doors open via the rest of the United States," she said.

Cobblestone Corner owners Gail and Vern Hellewell also said sales aren't as good as they were last year, but at this time last year, the streets from the renovation had just reopened. Gail also pointed to the economy, with predictions sales would be down this year.

"They're not bad, they're just - last year was awesome," she said with a laugh.

December has been better than November for the Hellewells' business.

"The weekend after Thanksgiving was horrible compared to last year, but then the following week, my daily sales were really good," Gail said.

She said she is noticing more people as a result of the construction.

"Originally, we were getting a lot of negative, but here lately, I've been hearing a lot, especially the night of the annual Agriculture Appreciation Lighted Christmas Parade, about how much they really liked what we've done to downtown and how they just thought it was great," Gail said. "Definitely the out-of-towners, those that are just moving here, appreciate it a lot more than those that have been here a long time."

Sue's Gift Boutique owner Sue Torrence said the season has been great for her business.

"I've got lots of good stuff and people are just out and about and busy," she said. "Lots of new people in town, I think they're finding us."

The parade, tree lighting, different open houses and entertainment have drawn more people to the area, Torrence said.

"I think they're curious: Is this really working?" she asked. "People are trying to shop local, you know, the price of gas going out of town is a big factor. I've had a lot of people say, 'I'm really trying to get all my Christmas shopping done locally, or at least try, first,' and then go from there."

Torrence believes the renovation is bringing in a lot more foot traffic, making for a busier season. She expects things to remain steady even after the holidays.

When the season is over, Goodwin said the association is ready to hit the ground running as far as business recruitment in January.

"Bringing in not only individual, independent, Mom and Pop-type stores but also franchise stores," she said. "We're asking people what do they want to see?"

A study recently completed by the Center of Business and Industry Services at Big Bend Community College is going to help recruiters. The association is also working on plans for facade improvements and additional flower pots, joining those installed on Third Avenue earlier this year, for Broadway Avenue, Fourth Avenue and the cross streets.

"I hope Moses Lake will kind of rediscover its downtown," Strickland said. "It's really a beautiful place with a lot to offer. It'd be nice if people would come back and see it again."