Visitors and locals alike slogged through the snow on Main Avenue on Thursday to bring their loved ones Christmas cheer.
Some shoppers were searching with purpose; others were wandering through the stores waiting for inspiration to strike.
“I am a last-minute shopper. ... I strive to change that, but I need the urgency, I guess,” said Ivey Patton, who was shopping for her 13-year-old son.
Some were likely hunting for the Stars Wars edition of Risk, winter boots, YETI ramblers – tumblers to keep drinks cool – and socks, all popular gifts this season, according to local retailers. At Gardenswartz Sporting Goods, customers have bought about 2,500 pairs of socks in the last two months, said employee Teal Lehto.
The crowds this shopping season have been good to many local stores, and in some cases, the winter weather helped drive business.
“The timing of the snow was perfect,” said Steve Swisher, manager and partner at Brown’s Shoe Fit Company. The store has seen strong boot sales because of the snow, and many people have come in to shop for themselves, in addition to buying for Christmas.
“We had one of our best days of the year yesterday,”he said.
Dec. 23 typically tops Dec. 24 in sales at Browns because the store closes early on Christmas Eve, he said.
But the snow was putting somewhat of a damper on sales at Del Sol, a T-shirt shop that otherwise enjoyed a pretty good holiday season, said employee Danielle Keil.
At a shop that celebrates the sun and doesn’t carry winterwear, snow doesn’t help, she said.
Wandering through the busy stores were a few people out to enjoy the day. Elaine Huntoon shops every Christmas Eve, but just to enjoy the spirit of the day.
“I just think there’s that warm, friendly atmosphere that Durango provides,” she said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
