Black Friday in Old Town Monrovia Increases Foot Traffic
By Sameea Kamal
Published: Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
Based on reports from various merchants in Old Town Monrovia, some holiday shoppers appear to be turning to local businesses to avoid the chain store rush on Black Friday.
Jill Super, owner of Eaton’s specialty store, said advertising brought in many customers on Black Friday.
“We had an outstanding day all weekend Friday and Saturday,” Super said. “We had some good sales going for 25% off.”
Another gift store in Old Town, Suburban Martini, reported seeing a lot of customers coming in.
“We had regular little sales here and there and we gave people some discounts and free gifts with purchase,” said owner Kelly Goodkin. “Sales were fairly good.”
According to Goodkin, many customers find it easier to shop local, and are able to find unique items.
“I think that people just don’t really have the energy to go and fight the crowds and get the same old stuff,” she said.
At The Dollmakers, business on Black Friday was booming, said Cindy Ranger, one of three owners.
“We did fantastic and are continuing to,” Ranger said. “We were going like crazy on Friday and have been doing very, very well ever since.”
According to Ranger, the high-selling items this season are “fun, silly things.”
“This year people are looking for something that’s funny and a stress reliever,” said Ranger. “And you get good service in a small store, so people are coming back to someone they know and looking for the comfort that.”
At the Secret Pocket, owner Patricia Tran said she was pleasantly surprised at the number of customers who came in.
The Secret Pocket, which has been open in Monrovia for three years, had a sale for 30 percent off after a purchase of $50 or more.
Not all businesses caught the Black Friday shopping rush, however.
Allure Clothing and Accessories reported that they saw some increased foot traffic, but that sales only picked up a little.
At Segil Fine Arts Gallery, many people came in to pick up paintings they had bought in advance, but did not make many purchases.
“Art just isn’t the same kind of commodity,” said assistant to the owner Lynne Fearman.
Historic Lighting, also located in Old Town Monrovia, said they did not see anything special on Black Friday.
According to Dan Bell, Management Analyst for the city of Monrovia, merchants in Old Town are anticipating a strong holiday season.
Though the city did not have specific feedback on Black Friday, local stores have been active in holding open houses other events, such as the free movie shown at the Krikorian Theater on Saturday.
“I think if there’s anything we can take from it, it’s that merchants are engaged and active in making this a positive holiday season.”
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