Gift shops say Christmas sales are strong

Christmas shoppers have less than two weeks to find the perfect gifts for friends and family, and several north country gift stores said they've had a strong holiday season so far.

"We had a really busy weekend last weekend," said John D. Doolittle. Mr. Doolittle opened Red Barn Gift Shop, 207 William St., Dexter, with his wife, Cynthia R., this year.

For several years online and through an annual open house, the Doolittles have been selling Christmas ornaments, gift baskets and arrangements that Mrs. Doolittle makes.

"I've made wreaths and ornaments for friends for years," Mrs. Doolittle said. "When I ran out of people to give them to, I had to open a shop."

The couple also sells collectibles, cards, memorabilia, religious commemoratives and locally produced items, including candles and jewelry made by daughter Jo-Cinda R. Evans.

Today will be the last day that the shop is open for the year, so everything will be 15 percent off. But Mrs. Doolittle will make arrangements to sell items by appointment by calling 639-6038.

In nearby Sackets Harbor, Willoughby's on the Bay owner Patricia C. Goodrich said the store's third holiday season has been "very positive." The store, at 208 W. Main St., has Christmas decorations and gifts as well as Sackets Harbor-specific gifts, such as bricks painted with historic buildings. Other items include locally made jewelry and furniture.

"For the smaller specialty stores, we thrive on finding unique things to keep our customers coming back," she said.

The store will have a few more holiday promotions before Christmas.

Some shoppers have been looking for less expensive items or making crafts themselves to give.

In Potsdam, North Country Neighbors owner Cathy L. Connolly said the craft and secondhand gift store had a busy open house last weekend, which matches the season overall.

"It's our best year since we opened," she said. "We've been here for seven and a half years, and it takes that length of time for people to know you're here."

Mrs. Connolly said the used vintage and antique items also are less expensive than goods in a department store. The store, at 6 Main St., has shifted more to secondhand items, she said, and depends on more than 60 vendors to bring in goods.

"People are looking for secondhand stuff so they're not having to pay $30 when they could pay $15," she said. "People are looking for something that's a little different."

Karen G. Sidletsky, co-owner of Misty Hollow, 22 Market St., said the craft supply store had holiday traffic since September.

"By Christmas, it slows down because people are running out of time," she said. "We've pretty much had the same business we've had throughout the years."

People are watching their spending but continue to make more presents themselves, she said.

"It's growing through the years. Parents with young children are taking time to get kids involved in making presents at a young age."