SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Store owners like Stephanie Wilde rely on the holiday season to help them through the slower winter months.
“Into the January, February months, it does slow down tremendously as far as foot traffic down here. So we really depend on the traffic that we see in November, December to carry us through those months as small business owners,” Wilde said. Wilde owns Say Anything…Jewelry on Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls.
Wilde says business has been slower than usual this month, but hopes it will pick up with Christmas around the corner.
“We have a variety of things from completely custom with a loved one’s handwriting or fingerprint. All the way to some really modern designs that are great for the younger people in your life,” Wilde said.
Simply Perfect, located just a few blocks over, also noticed it’s been a bit relaxed this month.
“Foot traffic has been a little bit slower from what I’ve heard so far and seen. But around Christmas time, we’ve definitely started seeing things pick up a lot,” Simply Perfect interior designer Maddie Wozniak said.
The home store has even implemented a 12 Days of Christmas card to help engage customers.
“So we have a lot of home goods. We have bath and body products as well, as great clothing. So kind of a one-stop shop for everything home and anything you just might need for yourself,” Wozniak said.
Nancy Savage with Child’s Play Toys says December has seen fewer shoppers, but says it has recently picked up.
“Jellycat is insane! I don’t know how many phone calls every day for Jellycat,” Savage said. “Normally I purchase six months in advance for Jellycat and I don’t reorder again very often. I’m reordering weekly right now.”
However, one store in downtown Sioux Falls says they haven’t noticed a dip at all.
Zanbroz Variety manager, Jamie Scarborough, told KELOLAND News on the phone that they have had great business, and says it’s partly because of the unique variety of items they carry. Scarborough says their store has different categories for all ages ranging from books to art supplies and cooking gear and more.
