Henry Dorr, a self-admitting last-minute shopper, was browsing Animas Trading Co. for a gift for his mother. With the task of finding both a Christmas and birthday present for her – she born Dec. 25 – he was calmly searching Monday morning for the perfect items that would not exceed his $50 limit.
His sister, Emma, was trying on sweaters to pick a soft and comfortable one for her mother. She said she had a little more money to spend this year because of her new job. Not usually a last-minute shopper, she conceded that her brother’s procrastination had rubbed off.
Local businesses are hoping that the slow but sure recovery seen after the Great Recession continues this holiday season. Interviews with several local shoppers and businesses indicate spending has remained steady in 2013, and clientele continues to keep sales clerks busy.
Cathy Wakeman, who owns Animas Trading Co., said Monday was a busy day. She said December sales have been up by 5 percent compared with last year. She anticipates a last-minute uptick.
“We usually get a lot of Christmas Eve shoppers.”
The most popular selling item at the shop was the infinity scarf, which was sold out by Monday, she said. Next on the top-seller’s list were tights and socks.
René Strine, shopping Monday morning at Dream of Tibet, took the opportunity to get out because it was her day off. She traveled from Dolores to Durango for the better shopping opportunities, she said.
Strine browsed through various cloth posters, debating which to buy for her boyfriend. She had a hard time choosing between “Love,” “Happiness” and “Namaste.” She said her spending remains pretty consistent year to year.
“I don’t go crazy,” she said.
Linda Lou Wessman, who manages the store, was surprised at the number of shoppers last year on Christmas Day.
“We were opened 12 to 5 p.m. and had many last-minute shoppers,” she said.
This year, she plans to work 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Day in anticipation of those shoppers.
“We’re Buddhist, so we don’t mind,” she said. “We do it for the people.”
This year, Wessman anticipates an increase in holiday sales compared to the same time last year.
“I think there’s a lot more people shopping than last year,” she said.
Chet Anderson was seen browsing several novels inside Maria’s Bookshop, searching for the perfect last-minute gift for his wife.
He finally decided on “Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West.”
Shay Lopez, bookseller at Maria’s, said numbers are up this season compared with last.
“More people spend more or make bigger purchases for the holidays but not necessarily spend more than in past years,” he said.
Patricia Burget had chosen several novels from Maria’s for her neighbors and good friends who live in Mancos.
She said she usually isn’t a chronic last-minute shopping. “Just this year.”
Burget also said her Christmas expenses have remained about the same year after year.
vguthrie@durangoherald.com
