Holiday Weekend Sales Makes this a Season of Good Cheer for Local Merchants

While there were no incidences of pepper spraying or wild stampedes at Livingston Town Center, local merchants did report business was brisk over the past Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

"It was most excellent," said Louise Webber, one of the co-owners of , a clothing and accessory boutique.

Webber said sales were helped by both the store's participation in  and special sales promotions, including "Black Bag Black Friday" in which any black bag was 50% off original price.

With many college students home for the long weekend, Elle Squared held another promotion, "Welcome Back from School."  Any teacher or college student with a valid school ID was given 50% off one item, no exceptions.

While the weekend is now over, Webber is "very positive" about the remainder of the holiday season.

Around the corner from Elle Squared,  store manager Kathleen McCormack reported her store also benefitted from returning college students.  "It was busy all weekend," she said.

While Marcia's Attic did not participate in Small Business Saturday, store manager Susie Jackowitz reported business at this clothing store was busy all weekend as well.

"We had a Black Friday special of 20% off all winter merchandise, excluding jeans," she reported.  Jackowitz said sales promotions will continue, and she too expects a good holiday season.

Across the street from the Livingston Town Center additional stores enjoyed weekend-long sales.

"Overall it was a very good Thanksgiving weekend," said manager Ronald Cartlidge.

Cartlidge said his store also benefitted from its participation in Small Business Saturday, as well as "many in-store specials."  While Cartlidge said these specials "proved to be effective", he did not want to specify which brands and items were included, so as to not anger any vendor for discounting their brand.

A few doors down from Jays Shoe Box, the  learned discounting their popular Calico Critters line helped to drive store traffic.

The Calico Critters, a collection of animal families such as pandas, bears and bunnies with accompanying accessories and furniture were priced for the weekend at "Buy one, get one half off."  "This never happens," said employee Jeanette Fletcher.

Further down the road at  ,store owner Barbara Bailey said she had a "big jump" from Small Business Saturday.

"People felt compelled to come out and support us," Bailey added.

Squishable pet pillows were the hot sales item for this store, followed by summer camp items that will be given as a holiday gift.

After the year-end holiday season, Bee Bee Designs will transition from a gift and accessory shop to a sumer camp headquarters store.  Markdowns on specialty gift items and holiday-themed goods have already begun.

"Take advantage of these sales items now," Bailey said.