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Appleton, Wisconsin — Recently, sales of dog boots and other winter gear were added to December figures at DePawsitory in downtown Appleton.
What you need to know
- Holiday sales are up 7.6% over 2021, according to Mastercard
- Growth beats forecast, but lower than last year’s growth
- More than half a dozen retailers in Appleton and Green Bay said the holiday season sales were generally positive.
These sales are on top of any holiday transactions leading up to Christmas.
“Our holiday season has actually been pretty good,” said owner Laurie Kettner. is really satisfied.”
Mastercard reports a 7.6% year-over-year increase in holiday retail sales. This is slightly above forecast, but about 1% less than in 2021.
(Spectrum News 1/Nathan Phelps)
“This year was a little slower than last year,” Kettner said. “But last year we were just coming out of COVID. A slight increase from last year.”
About half a dozen local businesses in Green Bay and Appleton say sales and traffic are good this year. Some said they were happy with the season’s results, although it wasn’t the massive increase seen in 2021.
Scott Gonnering of Appleton’s Scooter G Sports said his online sales have increased, but in-store traffic has remained somewhat flat.
“I don’t know if it’s because the economy has gotten a little harder. People with disposable income depend on what they’re trying to find, rather than looking for bobbleheads or cards,” he said. . “Overall, when comparing in-store and online, we had no issues.”
(Spectrum News 1/Nathan Phelps)
Gonering said he remains optimistic heading into the new year. He said there are things that drive him to work every day, not just sales and bottom line profits.
“A love of cards, a love of meeting people and children,” he said. “Kids have fun.”
Kettner said he was cautious. She has an established business and customer base at her eight-year-old store, and she’s pleased that inflation and interest rates continue to be a question mark in the economy.
Koestner said he is holding off on adding another location.
“Right now, we’re trying to pack as much inventory into this business space as possible without incurring additional debt,” she said.
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