Encouraged by the recent opening of two businesses in downtown Chestertown, Music Life and Eric Fitch’s Fitness Studio, and news of future openings of four others: Hegland Glass, the Schumann/Wilson gallery on Cannon Street, a new gallery this spring in 200 block of High Street, and a gluten free restaurant in the previous location of Brix, the Spy was curious to see how established businesses fared this past year. We took a random survey of several shop and service oriented proprietors, and asked their forecast for 2013.
Bookplate’s Tom Martin had, “..a rocking fourth quarter.” He is, “… investing in post- season improvements; adding more shelves to his back room, and traveling to Spain to buy more pottery and olive oil.” Twigs and Teacups’ response, “ People are very happy that we are still open. We’re not going anywhere.”
A number of retail shop owners stated that fourth quarter sales, and in particular December, were not as strong as expected. Bob Ramsey, owner of The Finishing Touch, said that he was “saved” by the last ten days prior to the holidays, but that in general, Christmas was, “off.” Mike Sipala, at the other end of High Street in Paul’s Shoe Store, agreed that the majority of his customers waited until the last minute to purchase gifts. “Last year was up from the prior year, not much, but a little, the first half was much better, ” he told the Spy, and added that he’d be, “..tickled if it was up as much in 2013 as in the previous year.”
Evergrain bakery’s Doug Rae, was very optimistic, saying that they had just celebrated their second anniversary in November, sales were definitely up and the third year should be, “..even better.” Rae mentioned that their lunch crowd was excellent, and that they were considering extending hours later into the evening , as there is a, “..rush at 4 pm until closing (at 5).”
Another relative newcomer to Chestertown‘s downtown, Lemon Leaf Café’s owner, JR Alfree, sent the following, “This is a dream come true for me, as the café celebrated its second year anniversary on October 21, 2012, “ He added that his business grew by over 18%, with significant increase in spring & summer; fall was consistent with 2011.
Around the corner on Cannon, Chestertown Natural Food’s Trish Gruber sent this encouraging email, “Thanks to the tremendous support of our customers, 2012 sales were up significantly over 2011, and we anticipate sales growth to continue in 2013.”
Bob Ortiz commented that downtown events had a positive effect on number of folks walking into his woodworking studio, and that,
“ …my mailing list is growing, and that list drives interest and sales in the shop.”
The Spy also reached out to two businesses at either end of town. Brooks Tavern’s Barabara Silcox said that 2012 was a good year -gift certificates are always a bonus for December sales – and that goose hunters sustain them in January. Liz Starkey at Kingstown Farm and Garden Center said that she was feeling very positive about 2013. “The long spring [last year] helped to make March sales substantially better. The ‘grow your own’ movement is benefiting us,” Starkey told the Spy, adding that their pet section was doing really well, especially with the current emphasis on nutritional pet food.
The general consensus was one of optimism; shop owners confident that their regular customers will at least continue if not increase their spending habits, and that the additional art galleries and shops will bring new business. As one proprietor said, “2012 boded well for future discretionary spending.”
Marge Fallaw says
What a breath of fresh air, after so much negativity and snarkiness from some in comments on several recent articles, to read this positive, well-sourced piece about the downtown economy.
Marty Stetson says
The sweetest music in the world to a business person is the ring of a cash register or the swipe of a credit card. All of us who live in Chestertown can enjoy that sound in so many ways. Lets hope it just gets louder and louder.t