KING OF THE MOUNTAIN: Winter Storm Jonas dumped about 22 inches of snow on Princeton over the weekend, but while the rest of the town continued to dig out and clean up, some young residents took advantage of a mountain of snow piled alongside Witherspoon Street. (Photo by Emily Reeves)
With record high temperatures and plentiful festivities around town, retail business was moderately brisk during the holiday season. “The Square performed well,” reported Palmer Square Management representative Anita Fresolone, “showing a slight increase compared both to December 2014 and 2014 overall.”
“With festive carolers, strolling Santa, trolley rides, and of course, the tree on the green, we are fortunate to be located in the heart of Palmer Square,” said Ron Menapace, co-owner of The Farmhouse Store. Mr. Menapace reported a 30 percent sales increase for the 2015 holiday season over 2014. “Independent retailers who offer something uncommon can thrive,” he said and attributed the store’s success to their “unique gifts and home decor while hand making our own furniture from centuries-old barns.”
“The Internet did dig into sales a little more in 2015,” stated Karen Thompson, president of Lace Silhouettes Lingerie on Palmer Square, “but Princeton consumers often want to shop local. People want to support local communities where they live. The shopping environment in Princeton is a healthy one.” Ms. Thompson praised the Princeton traditions that make the town “one of the best shopping locations anywhere. The tree lighting kicks off the holiday season, and we’re part of the tradition after being in town for 17 years. Consumers love tradition.”
Sheila Meszros, manager of Carter and Cavero Olive Oil Company on Palmer Square, was also upbeat about the recent shopping season and thankful for the warm weather. “We had a lot of foot traffic and a lot of visitors from out of town and were about five to ten percent above what we expected in sales. From the second week in December until January we were very busy, with great sales and our excellent customer service.”
At Landau’s specialty clothing store on Nassau Street, a store that thrives on cold temperatures, co-owner Henry Landau said, “We were fine in spite of the weather. We’re so diverse. When it was 70 degrees in December, we were selling T-shirts.” Mr. Landau was pleased with holiday sales results, and added, “We have quality and reputation.”
Also reaping the benefits of quality and reputation, JaZams toy store reported sales gains of between three and four percent in December. Preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary in June this year, JaZams is seeing a return of some of its earliest customers. “It’s amazing what lasting 20 years will do,” said store manager Joanne Farrugia. “All these people we haven’t seen in a decade reappear as adults with kids or grandparents with grandchildren.”
“There was a little bit less traffic in town,” Ms. Farrugia observed, “but the traffic we had seemed to be spending, and they loved the store.”
Although weather, Internet sales, a skittish economy, and other concerns loom ahead for 2016 — “Who knows what’s going to happen?” Mr. Landau commented — Princeton merchants are optimistic. Mr. Menapace mentioned the challenges of the Internet and the demise of large department stores, but declared, “This shift can benefit independent businesses that offer something unique, those who strive to offer customers an experience, not just a service; one that no amount of technology can duplicate.”