Many downtown businesses extend hours

By TERRI HARBER
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Downtown businesses will try to woo local shoppers using a variety of methods during the holiday season.

Black Friday promotions usually grab attention, but business owners know that it takes more than one good day of sales for small businesses to turn a healthy profit.

Many already open on Sundays. However, this is the time of year when those who aren't will give it a try to see if it's viable. Others will do it simply because customers require it.

Offering even just a few hours on Sunday “is a good idea,” said Ann Mehaffy, program director for Historic Baker City Inc.

The organization represents downtown businesses and during the past couple of years has promoted a move toward Sunday hours during the holiday shopping season, she said.

A lot of people can't make it to stores during the week. Residents and visitors also want to shop on Sundays, Mehaffy said.

HBC is compiling a list of businesses extending their hours to include Sundays during December. It should be ready next week.

We contacted a few downtown shops at random to see what their holiday plans include.
J. Tabor Jewelry will add hours on Sundays as well as on weekdays as Christmas approaches, said owner Tabor Clarke.

Today only, Black Friday, he will reduce prices by 25 percent.

The store will be open on Sundays starting Dec. 4 until Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. He also plans to stay open later on weekdays and Saturdays as the holiday gets closer. The normal 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. should extend to 6:30 p.m. before Christmas arrives.

Clarke also gets tries to get his shop some attention during the holidays by providing prizes for the Turkey Trot that happened Thursday this year. He also gets involved with the Festival of Trees.

Marilyn's Music expects to open Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. during the first three December Sundays before Christmas.

This is an important time for the business because many people purchase musical instruments and accessories as holiday gifts. It's importance is comparable to calving season for ranchers, said owner Marilyn Shollenberger. 

She was planning an hour-long Black Friday promotion today and will offer rebates on selected guitars and basses through Dec. 31.

 Marilyn's also will open from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. during the first three Sundays in December. Hours will remain the same during the rest of the week.

The Sycamore Tree will be Christmas-ready and serving customers hot apple cider Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., said owner Jackie Adams.

This shop that offers such items as floral, home decor and fresh fudge also will open during the first three Sundays in December from noon to 4 p.m.

She gets her business-added recognition by supporting the organization Best Friends of Baker Inc., which helps place rescued dogs and cats in foster homes until permanent homes can be found for the animals.

The Sears store downtown opened at 4 a.m. Friday. It will be open earlier on Saturdays until Christmas.

People who bring canned food items for donation and spend at $75 will earn a discount of $5, said store owner Scott Hester.

Expect the Flower Box to stay open a little longer during the week and on Saturdays. Owner Paula Sawyer manages the operation, creates floral arrangements and even delivers florals herself. She also sells such items as wire baskets and gifts.

What Sawyer does will be determined by what customers seek, she said.

She also reminds people that there also is a nationwide campaign that promotes the importance of small local businesses.

Small Business Saturday was created by American Express and is being held this year on Nov. 26. It sprang from social media outlets, such as Facebook. The credit card issuer offers $25 rebates to consumers who spend at least $25 at participating small retailers. Go to Facebook and visit the Small Business Saturday page or visit americanexpress.com for details.

"If millions of Americans shop small, it'll be huge," the campaign slogan states.