November 6, 2009

 

CORNING --- More than 40 Market Street businesses are participating in the four-day shopping event, called Holidazzle.
     Gaffer District officials say these kinds of events are the reason Corning has done so well in such a tough economy.
     “The local people really support us,” said shop owner, Shirley Toole. “ I’ve said the tourists are a wonderful bonus, but local people are who we count on.”
     For three years, Holidazzle has attracted people looking to get a head start on their holiday shopping.
     Despite this year's economic downturn, plenty of people were spending money today.
     “I'm out and do enjoy spending the money at different shops and it is local so it does help,” said shopper Susan Morris.
     During Holidazzle, shoppers get special discounts and can even win gift baskets worth more than $1,000.
     With the national unemployment rate hitting double digits going into this holiday shopping season, retailers expect sales to be down.
     But events like Holidazzle are the reason Corning's Gaffer District is bucking the national trend.
     Gaffer District officials say this year, Market Street has maintained a storefront vacancy rate of under 10 percent.
     Business retention is better than the national average as well. 
     Storeowners say the close-knit community is how Corning's riding out this economic storm.
     “We love being on Market Street, the nightlife, the atmosphere, the camaraderie between store owners,” said Jake Snyder with Berger’s Ski and Snow Shop.
     “If I don't have something in my store I will seek out another store to help the customer and to keep the customer coming back to Market Street,” Toole added.
     Holidazzle goes through Monday.