Locals are tourists alike were spotted flocking to support small businesses in the holiday rush.
PORTLAND, Maine — As Christmas approaches, chilly temperatures in Portland haven’t kept shoppers from hitting the streets for last-minute gifts. Crowds were spotted braving the cold in the Old Port, visiting small businesses and checking off their holiday shopping lists.
At Local Color, sales associate Janice Sears noted the diversity of shoppers. “There was just somebody in here from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, California,” she said. Locals and tourists alike are drawn to the shop’s handmade gifts, from stocking stuffers to centerpiece-worthy serving platters.
It’s been a challenging few years for small businesses, with the pandemic bringing in-person shopping to a standstill. But this holiday season is showing signs of a strong recovery. “Last year, I think people were still just coming out, tiptoeing a bit,” Sears added. “This year, even as late as a couple of days before Christmas, people are still out and shopping.”
For Gudrun Cobb, owner of Uncommon Paws, this season feels like a turning point. Her shop, known for handmade dog collars, bandanas, and beds, is seeing a surge in business. “Looking at the numbers, it was a normal year. People are out shopping, in a good mood, happy,” Cobb said.
This holiday uptick is especially meaningful after years of uncertainty. Cobb says 2022 brought noticeable growth, but 2023 has surpassed it. She expressed gratitude to customers for their continued support: “Thank you for coming in and shopping with us and keeping it local. We really appreciate you.”
Supporting businesses in downtown Portland typically means supporting shops like Local Color and Uncommon Paws, which are filled with local artisans and unique offerings. Sears highlights this appeal: “That’s the beauty of downtown Portland, right? We’re just littered with small artisans, larger artisans, the expansion of it.”
Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a treat for a furry friend, shoppers aren’t taking these small businesses for granted this year.
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