Trend to local means change in retail sales picture

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - The retail sales picture for Christmas 2015 has been described as bleak, very slow, flat and not living up to expectations. Some of that is because of slower sales at in-store outlets, like malls and big box stores.

ShopperTrak estimates that in-store sales during the Black Friday weekend were down 10.4 percent and there has been no sign of a recovery as the shopping season has progressed.

Some of that is because of online sales, but some of it likely is because of where people are shopping now.

Dr. Anita Bhappu, an associate professor at the University of Arizona's Retail and Consumer Sciences Department said the trend is toward smaller, local stores which offer unique, one-of-a-kind items.

Those stores do not get measured for volume of sales like the giant retailers do, so it makes the trend more difficult to track. But the Pop-cycle store on 4th Avenue will attest that the trend is alive and well.

Co-owner Shannon Riggs said that after eight years in business, "We've grown every year, and this year has been especially good."

The store sells artsy, recycled items that can be found nowhere else.

"It's a risk," she said of customers who choose to buy something that is unique and different. "But most people appreciate the time and thought behind the gift."

It's not just the personal touch that attracts Christmas shoppers, it's also the price. Many people shop because the price is affordable.

"Our customer base [is] in mid-30s," Riggs said. "But we have a lot of younger people who have limited budgets and limited space."

A big selling point is the fact that the items are all locally hand made, not preproduced.

"I especially like that," Rick Willowby said. "It's my first time here and I will be back," he said.

Across town and across the interstate in the Westside Mercado, is Mast, another store which is seeing growth and it too has handmade one-of-a-kind items.

Tasha Bundy, one of the stores owners and jewelry makers said the trend is not a big surprise.

"There's a makers movement," she said of the unique items, and adds its not just the millennials propelling it. "They're helping raise awareness but I think that has become more across the board age wise."

"It's nice to know someone put thought into it, you can really tell," Riggs said.

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