Small stores think big in Tri-Cities

Nov 24, 2008 (Tri-City Herald - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- DCX | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Kathy Patton was recently among several shoppers seeking not-your-average gifts at Lemon Grass in Kennewick. The Waitsburg woman has shopped at Linda Pasco's boutique store since it opened about eight years ago.

The store has stuff that the big chains don't, she said.

Exclusive products and a personal touch are what several Tri-City retailers are relying on to attract customers during this holiday season.

"We can't compete with the buying power of big box stores," said Darcy Jennings, manager at Gadgets & Goodies in Kennewick.

Business has been good since April when her store moved from the Columbia Center mall to its location on Clearwater Avenue. Stable employment has helped insulate the Tri-City economy from shocks elsewhere, Jennings said, adding that shoppers seem mostly upbeat at her store, which offers goods from about $2 to nearly $300.

But she also said consumers have been cautious about spending because they don't how the national economic slowdown will play out, she said.

Charles Grigg, owner of Grigg's Department Store in Pasco, says big-ticket electronics will take a hit this shopping season with people still spending, but focusing on basics like clothing and shoes. Apparel manufacturers are offering deeper discounts than ever, he said, which will help him pass on savings to customers. The store's big sale starts on Thanksgiving Day.

Grigg's sales have increased to last year's levels after slipping about 2 percent in September, he said.

Frances Finfrock, owner of Aunt Franny's Toys in Richland, also is seeing a little change in the shopping patterns of Tri-Citians. They are buying a little bit every paycheck, stocking up through Christmas, Finfrock said. And "green" toys are hot, she said.

Her November sales are the best ever, she said. Most sales are about $50, but $100 sales are common, she said. Besides specialty toys for children 12 and under, she carries many European card and board games for adults.

At Lemon Grass, customers spend about $50 to $100 on average, Pasco said, and business has been excellent. She plans a special sale Thanksgiving weekend with discounts up to 40 percent.

People are buying ornaments for their tree, jewelry, collectibles and special gifts for family and friends, she said. She has stocked up, as she did last year, on everything -- from beauty, bath and home products to specialty items for babies.

Artisan chocolates seem to be popular too. Even during hard times, everyone wants chocolate, said Sydnie Stockton at Boehms Chocolates and Silver Spoon Gift Shop in Richland. The store, which offers a variety of treats, is seeing increased customer traffic, she said. Gift boxes run from $4.95 to $22.95, she said.

Business is brisk at Ariel Gourmet & Gifts in Richland, said staff manager Allyson Hayes. Sales may be a tad down from last year, "but we are OK, " she said.

She said people are buying gravy separators and whipped cream makers at the specialty store, which has been a community fixture for 31 years. Many customers also are requesting special orders, though they are watching expenses.

"We're cautiously optimistic," Hayes said.

Martha Gallo, owner of Plaza Del Calzado in Pasco, said media reports make the economic downturn seem worse than it is. It's not that bad even in California, said Gallo, who recently took a trip to the Golden State. In the Tri-Cities, the agricultural economy is doing well and that's helping her, she said.

This holiday season, she's offering discounts on Mexican leather boots and specially designed apparel. Alligator shoes, which she described as the Mercedes-Benz of shoes, can cost as much as $500, she said, but customers don't mind paying for quality.

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