While no dramatic decreases in sales have occurred, economic news has brought worries to owners’ minds.
Cochran, Blair and Potts in downtown Belton has already begun half-price markdowns that usually happen after Christmas.
Owner Rob Potts said they decided to begin the sale after hearing news that chain department stores are using markdowns to bring in holiday shoppers.
“We hear a lot of things. People are skeptical and not sure what the future holds,” Potts said.
This will be the first Christmas season for Leah McGuire, owner of Everything Nice in Temple.
Sales have improved at the boutique since the holiday season began. She’s nervous about the economy but has decided to keep the store open for a year to gauge the success level.
“The whole year is a gamble for me,” she said. “It’s really hard to start a business in a bad year.”
Sales are increasing at Shar’s Consignment and Baby Shar.
“Our business is definitely up,” owner Sharon Rhoads said, “a good 20 percent from last year.”
She believes this is because people are more cost-conscious than last year.
Not only are people buying more, but are also selling more. She said the store’s racks are jam-packed and she has started turning away lesser-known labels.
Of course, not all shopping is for Christmas presents. Ms. Rhoads believes people who want to look nice for the holidays, without spending a lot of money, are turning to resale for a cheaper alternative for a new wardrobe.
Darlene Robinson, owner of Comet Cleaners in Temple, said business has been steady.
“We’re just trying to stay in touch with our customers and contacting them if they begin to drop off,” she said. Ms. Robinson attributes the persistent business with the store’s attempt to have constant customers.
But she’s still watching the news and keeping her fingers crossed the economy won’t affect her business.
Ye Olde English Bakery and Deli owners Alan and Freda Harvey have been in business for 29 years and have seen hard times come and go.
“We’ve rode this storm before,” Mrs. Harvey said.
She believes people cut out the nonessential, high-dollar items but will continue to buy a good sandwich or dessert.
“People are feeling a crunch, but they still need to eat, they still want to eat,” she said. “It’s kind of like comfort food.”
With Christmas shopping looming in the back of some customers’ minds, entertainment might seem the only escape from an overstretched wallet.
Cindy Palmer, general manager of Premiere Cinema 12, says people watch more movies during difficult times such as war or economic problems.
“People need to go somewhere to have some pleasure, to get away from things that trouble them,” she said.
