“It was a really good weekend this past weekend,” said Stephanie Kaehler of Game-a-Lot on Front Street. “Saturday was the first really good day we’ve had this holiday season,” said Kirk Haverman of Mr. Goodies Antiques & Collectibles, echoing her sentiment. It was all summed up by Larry Pearson of the Pacific Cookie Company: “The year got a slow start, but it looks like it’s going to be a stronger finish.” Local businesses may have had a tough time during the recession, but things are picking up in the final days of the Christmas rush.
Can this be a sign of things to come? The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz thinks so. As Christmas approaches, they have sold $15,000 in Downtown Dollars, which can be used in over 70 businesses throughout the downtown area. At least it could be the strong finish to the year that Larry Pearson and all the other small business owners in Santa Cruz have been waiting for. Read More at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
