Last-minute shoppers boost local businesses

As shoppers rush to buy their last presents before Christmas, the money they bring in has local merchants thankful for the revenue influx in these uncertain economic times.

"It has been a good Christmas, but before that, it was just nothing," said Rosemary Nebeski, owner of the La Tea Da shop in downtown Carson City. "Things are just not so good generally."

Michelle Popejoy of the Jewelry Bench said they were discounting a lot of their products to bring customers in.

"Everyone wants a bargain, and they sure get one here," she said. "We have a lot of bargains on everything because, like everybody else, we are slashing prices as much as we can."

At Due Sorella, the Chrismas season has been good for business, leading them to

stay open seven days a week.

"We were afraid with the economy, but we've had quite a few people come in," said Clair Grady, daughter of owner Julie Grady. "Closer to the holiday, it's been better and better."

Much of Due Sorella's business comes from repeat customers, which comes in handy for last-minute shoppers.

"We have a couple of husbands who every year they know that their wives like shopping here," Grady said. "We've had the same customer base from when we started, and we have some pretty loyal customers. So the husbands come to us and we help them out."

The Holiday Shop would seem to be a great fit for the holiday, offering a multitude of Christmas decorations and trinkets. And business was good for the beginning of the season as people were preparing for the holidays, according to Rich Mathison, one of the owners.

"I'd like to thank everyone who came in the store and supported the store," Mathison said. "That's what keeps us going."

- Contact reporter Kirk Caraway at kcaraway@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1261.