Despite Holiday Shopping, Sales Down At Local Shops

Despite a busy holiday shopping season for big-name retailers, some managers at shops in downtown Colorado Springs said they have been struggling.

John Mangrum is the manager at the Pikes Perk Coffee downtown. He said sales have been surprisingly low this year, and he has seen a lot less traffic in the store.

“We have certain goals that we like to meet just to meet budget, and we’re not exactly doing that right now,” he said.

Mangrum admitted that sales tend to slow down during the holiday season because customers are spending money on gifts and family, but he said the slump this year has been especially bad.

He said the store has had to find ways to save money including buying cheaper cups and changing employee hours.

Mangrum said the store has had to work harder at saving money because he does not want to raise prices, which have stayed the same for several years.

Sandi Yukman works downtown and said she has also noticed less traffic in local shops including a restaurant where she often goes to lunch.

“Yesterday I went in there and it was really empty, and I was surprised because everybody is kind of back at work after the holidays, and it was really empty,” said Yukman.

She noted that what may be getting customers into big-name stores rather than local shops is deep discounts.

Also, “People are spending more time shopping than they are visiting, having coffee,” she said.

Despite the lull in sales, Yukman and Mangrum said they are hopeful the local economy will turnaround.

Both touted the small-town feel of downtown Colorado Springs and said that is what will drive more customers to shop locally.