Black Friday numbers a mixed bag

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KAHULUI - It was a mixed shopping bag for Black Friday on Maui as some merchants reported that post-Thanksgiving sales were busier than they expected and others said Friday's totals did not match up to previous years.

One thing most merchants did agree on is that holiday sales will probably be down this year as they see customers penny-pinching and trying to get more bargain for their buck amid uncertainty over the economy.

"It was pretty busy. We did a lot better this year than last year," said Marla Tanouye, owner of Details Boutique at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center. "Honestly, I didn't know what to expect because of the economy."

Tanouye's fellow merchant in the mall, Kilihune Kaaihue, owner of Hula Rock Designs, said she also had a solid Black Friday, with sales exceeding her expectation. But she said

90 percent of her sales were to customers taking in a morning special during which everything in the store went for $20, includ-

ing one-of-a-kind silk dresses from Paris that retailed for $128.

The store also offered free coffee and doughnuts for its early bird shoppers Friday.

"We were open last year but really didn't have the three-hour madness $20 sale like we did this year. Our Black Friday doesn't compare to last year," she said.

"We really prepared by sending out 250 invitations to our customers and working really, really hard to get the store well stocked for the event," Kaaihue said. "I think the poor economy will definitely affect our holiday sales this year, but I try not to dwell on it. "That's why I really wanted to give back something positive and do something affordable for my customers on Black Friday with the ample inventory that we've been sitting on during these past slow months."

According to research firm ShopperTrak RCT Corp., preliminary figures show that sales the day after Thanksgiving rose 3 percent to $10.6 billion. Last year shoppers spent about $10.3 billion, according to the Chicago-based research firm that tracks sales at more than 50,000 retail outlets.

The research firm's co-founder Bill Martin said it appears that consumers are willing to spend more than most expected, and since everyone wants value for their dollar there was a tremendous response to discounts.

While Black Friday is not an indicator of holiday season sales, it does offer a gauge of people's willingness to spend. The term Black Friday came from historical data showing that the first shopping day after Thanksgiving is when retailers would make it into the black and be profitable for the year.

Still, experts have predicted this year's holiday shopping period will be the weakest in decades.

The same can be said for local merchants, who expect lighter sales but are hoping for the best.

Jennie Spenser, owner of Collections in Makawao, is predicting that holiday sales will be down this year.

"But I'm positive it's going to be fine and we are going to survive," she said on Saturday, noting that her unique gift and women's clothing store is busy after Thanksgiving.

As she was speaking to The Maui News over the phone, Spenser was purchasing for her store handmade caps made in Haleiwa called Lydia's Lids. She said shoppers can find things at her store that they can't find at malls.

"We had a busy day yesterday (Friday) and today (Saturday)," Spenser said. "I think it wasn't as good as last year, but not bad at all. There's a good buzz in the air. I have a good local following."

A Kahului merchant who is also looking for local support is Leigh Ringstad, owner of Goodies 'n Things, a gift and party supply store in the Maui Mall.

"I think the local people have to support small business. I'm hoping it's going to be a good year," she said Saturday.

Ringstad said her Black Friday wasn't as busy as previous years, but business was steady.

"I'm crossing my fingers it's going to be a busy year even if (the shopping) is last minute," she said.

Ringstad attributed her slowdown Friday to the lagging economy as well as people going for door-buster deals at the major discount stores such as Wal-Mart.

But she said her store carries products Christmas shoppers cannot find at Wal-Mart or Longs, including many Hello Kitty products, Harajuku apparel, lots of gifts for girls as well as bath products for young and hip adults.

Ringstad's neighbor at the mall, The Pet Shop, had slower sales this Black Friday, said Manager Karen Freudenberg.

"It wasn't as hectic as Ka'ahumanu . . . we have a lot of shoppers," she said.

She said customers took advantage of a one-day only coupon Friday, allowing 25 percent discounts on any three regular priced items. Other specials continue through today, with holiday pet products up to 50 percent off.

Freudenberg said their market is different from other retailers as their focus is on pets. Normally people shop for pets at the last minute, she said.

Two new stores in the

Lahaina Gateway shopping complex, Hawaii Golf & Tennis and Quiet Storm Surf & Sport, don't have comparable sales from prior years, but they are happy with the turnout for their grand opening events this weekend.

Along with the Shoe Fetish! store, the shops opened for business at the new west side mall this week and said business has been brisk.

"It has been steady, which is nice to see," said Hawaii Golf & Tennis co-owner Pat Betts on Saturday.

Betts said one of the events drawing customers is a "closest to the pin" fundraiser for Lahainaluna High School's golf and tennis teams. For a dollar, patrons stopping at the store can hit a golf ball on the store's golf simulator and compete for prizes. The fundraiser ends today.

Clothing and shoes have been discounted over this weekend as well as golf clubs, Betts said.

She expects business to climb as she's checked airlines and hotel reservations to Maui and learned they are being booked for the coming holiday and winter season - typically the strongest time for visitor traffic to Maui.

"I think it's going to start to come around," she said.

A manager at the Quiet Storm Surf & Sport shop reported being surprised to see that they were busy Friday morning because he expected most customers would be out in Kahului shopping at the big discount stores.

The store is holding a three-day grand opening sale, which ends today, including $150 to $300 off surfboards.

The store sold five to 10 boards Friday and had already sold one early Saturday morning, said the manager who declined to give his full name.

With customers looking for more for their money, Ringstad and Tanouye have changed their products to meet that need.

Ringstad said this holiday season she's not bringing in her more expensive gourmet snack line and instead will keep her gift baskets to just other snacks and fruits.

Tanouye, who carries trendy young women's clothing from Los Angeles and Canada, said that several months ago she changed her clothing offerings and now has more apparel in the $20 to $30 range versus $30 to $40.

"I'm a little store so I can do that," she said. "I think people are looking for better value."

Kaaihue, also recognizes the customer's need for extra value. She said she will hold another $20 sale before the end of the year, but customers will have to keep checking in.

"We haven't decided the date yet."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.