Claims of a busier holiday shopping year are ringing true for several local businesses. The National Retail Federation reported that sales have increased in the early part of the holiday shopping season, with more people splitting shopping between online and in-person, rather than sticking with just one way.
“Best ever. Here, here,” James Tuttle said of the holiday shopping season, “an amazing number of customers coming in in the five days before Christmas.”
Tuttle owns Green Lake Jewelry Works in Northgate and Bellevue. Typically focusing on customized pieces that can take a few weeks to design, create, and make into a unique piece, Tuttle says customers’ selections change to more of the artist’s pieces that are on display for purchase.
“A lot of dads with kids, buying something for mom, sitting at the counter, writing a note for Mom. I see that frequently — just this week,” he said.
The NRF reports sales nationally increased for two likely reasons: a relatively low inflation rate compared to the past few years, and strong wages compared to costs.
For Tuttle, his shops have an espresso machine and baked cookies to try and take a little bit of the stress off customers.
“It can be a little bit more fun with those people coming in, kind of last minute,” said Ellen Lovde, who works at Green Lake Jewelry Works, “it feels extra helpful, which is nice in the holiday season, to feel helpful.”