DALTON, Ga. — Owners of a number of small, local businesses had better-than-expected holiday sales, but they’re not certain the local economy will improve in 2010.
Janice Wycherley, owner of the downtown store Loganberry’s Fine Gift Baskets, said her Christmas sales were good, but the area’s high unemployment rate continues to have a trickle-down effect on small businesses like hers.
“We can’t sit here and say it’s going to be wonderful (in 2010),” Ms. Wycherley said. “It’s scary. As a small-business owner, we really don’t know.”
Recent figures from the Georgia Department of Labor show the area’s unemployment rate is 12.7 percent, higher than the national and the state averages, both near 10 percent.
Michael Thacker, owner of Michael’s Fine Arts & Framing off Dug Gap Road, said business remains slow and it will take new industry and new jobs to make things better.
“If carpet mills aren’t running the people aren’t working, and if the people aren’t working they’re not paying their rent,” Mr. Thacker said. “If they’re not paying their rent, the people who have all the rental houses are not spending any money. It’s just a vicious cycle.”
Brian Anderson, president and CEO of the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce, said 2010 will be “another tough year” for small businesses, and the area’s carpet industry is expected to “be about like it’s been.”
“Without any new income, I think that we may see a few more small businesses close,” he said.
But Veronica French, marketing and special event coordinator for the Downtown Dalton Development Authority, said most downtown retailers reported an increase in holiday sales from last year.
She said it seems more people are spending their money here, instead of outside the community.
“We’ve all really put an emphasis on supporting your neighbors and shopping local, and I think that has a lot to do with it,” Ms. French said.
Julie Wolff, co-owner of the Cherry Tree, a downtown gift shop specializing in engraved and embroidered items, said a strong, local customer base has helped that business sail through the recession thus far.
Co-owner Paula White said the business has grown every year since it opened in 2006, and this year’s Christmas sales were 30 percent to 40 percent higher than last year.
Donna Hilley opened Artistic Gifts & Framing off the north bypass in November 2008. She said she has struggled to get the word out about her store, but business has picked up in recent months.
Customers continue to be frugal, and she’s hoping people spend more in 2010, she said.
“It’s got to get better,” Ms. Hilley said. “I know it will.”