Mirroring a national trend, many Lincoln County businesses reported strong sales during the 2010 holiday season.
“We had an excellent week before Christmas and a good year on the whole,” said Faustine Reny of Newcastle based R.H. Reny Inc.
Preliminary national numbers suggest spending increased by $10 per consumer to an average of $99 making the 2010 holiday season the most robust since 2007. According to MasterCard Advisors Spending Pulse, a service that tracks aggregate spending on everything from clothing to gasoline, online sales increased 15.4 percent to $36.4 billion.
While Lincoln County merchants are considered traditional brick and mortar establishments, a few, like Mexicali Blues of Newcastle, have embraced e-commerce with promising results.
“Our web sales are up over 100 percent this year. Mexicali has become part of the Maine experience for people and they remember that when they leave. Overall this was an excellent year which is in keeping with our continued growth and a testament to the hard work of our staff,” said Mexicali’s Chief Executive Officer Topher Mallory.
With many big box retailers offering free shipping, many turned their attention and wallets to local stores during the holiday season.
“2009 was one of our best years ever and we are probably a little above that. I think the idea of shopping locally has caught on, which ultimately benefits everyone,” said Treats of Wiscasset owner Stacy Linehan.
Local restaurants also reported a busy December.
“We had a very jolly season and did a lot with promotions, which helped. In general business was up and definitely better than two years ago,” said Sarah’s Owner Sarah Heald.
Morse’s Sauerkraut of Waldoboro, which has experienced double-digit growth in the past few years, reported “rock solid” sales during the holiday season.
“I would say true to form and not disappointing,” said Morse’s owner David Swetnam.
While the news was positive for many, Damariscotta’s Maine Coast Book Shop sales were flat, owing, said owner Susan Porter, to a national decline in book buying.
“Online purchasing and deep discounts by Amazon are hurting bookstores everywhere. There’s not much we can do in regards to price, our hands are tied,” she said.
According to economists, the new consumer reality is rewarding retailers who offer practical and unique items for less. The trend also favors close to home options, a fact not lost on Lincoln County retailers who are aggressively trying to capitalize on the momentum of the past two years.
For the fourth year in a row, Damariscotta merchants held their Wrap It Up celebration in December, an after hours festival of street musicians, sidewalk Santas, and old fashioned Christmas trappings that has drawn large crowds to Main Street.
In Wiscasset, businesses are on the cusp of creating a formal Chamber of Commerce, which they hope will bring more people to the area.
“Out of every $100 spent here, it’s estimated that $85 will stay here,” said Linehan. “It’s important for people to realize that our local businesses are also our community which may be reflected in the positive results.”