Bonner Springs Chieftain Dec. 24,2009
Bonner Retailers report holiday business up in ‘09
Despite the economy, business owners in Bonner Springs say they are holding their own just fine during the holiday shopping season.
And one factor contributing to their success this year, they say, is that more and more people are starting to shop locally and starting to see Bonner as a shopping force to be reckoned with.
“The biggest thing, and people continue to say it when they come in, is that we had no idea Bonner Springs had such wonderful shops. Bonner Springs has never been known as a place to go shopping,” said Mary Miller, owner of Provence on the Prairie, 141 N. Nettleton.
Miller added the shopping possibilities in Bonner have been a well-kept secret throughout the years, but “I think that secret’s getting out.”
Miller, who has owned and operated her shop specializing in home décor for five years, said she has had more new customers from across the Kansas City metro area than ever.
“People are coming in and seeing what we have, and they’re going back and telling their friends,” Miller said.
Both Jamie Istas, owner of the Pink Zebra Boutique at 221 Oak St., and Carol Courtney, owner of Miller’s Too at 108 N. Nettleton, say they are doing equally well. Istas said her Christmas sales were up 5 percent from what they were last year. Courtney said she had seen four times the amount of sales she saw last Christmas season.
Courtney said one factor contributing to the increase could be the larger space – Miller’s Too, a shop specializing in nostalgic gifts and food items, moved to its current and larger location in August. But she also sees people wanting to keep their investment in their local town.
“I think it’s just been a good Christmas,” Courtney said. “A lot of people are shopping at home and not wanting to get into the big malls and the big stores, and (they’re) buying more personal items.”
Istas, whose shop sells trendy clothing and accessories for young girls, teens and adults, said she had inventory that was much more appealing to her customers. Among her items are Rock Revival jeans and Miche handbags, which have removable, decorative outer shells that can be switched out to match different outfits.
“Those have been selling like crazy,” she said.
Istas said she had noticed more people purchasing a bit more selectively this year and buying one major gift as opposed to several small items.
None of the business owners are overlooking the fact that this year’s performance may be due to the low prices each offers. Miller said most of the inventory in her store was priced under $30, and throughout the holidays she has tried to add more items priced even lower.
Shoppers say they are appreciative of the local stores not trying to break their bank over the holiday season. Tonganoxie resident Lisa Barnett, out shopping Tuesday afternoon, said Pink Zebra was the perfect place to shop for items for her daughter. She tries to keep all of her purchases in the local market, she said, because it is convenient, affordable and because she wants to do her part to keep one of her favorite local businesses in business.
“They have unique items that aren’t like Wal-Mart, Target stuff every kid in the world has,” Barnett said of the Pink Zebra. “I always try to (shop locally) anyway. It’s just easier, close to home. And we gotta have the Pink Zebra stick around.”
To help raise money for a charity, The Pink Zebra Boutique, 221 Oak St., and other Bonner Springs retailers will be staying open until 9 p.m. today.
Ten percent of the sales made between 7-9 p.m. will be donated to Ministry of Mothers Sharing, which is affiliated with Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Also participating will be Miller’s Too, 201 Oak, Magnum Opus, 135 N. Nettleton, and Provence on the Prairie, 141 N. Nettleton.
