inctamncinns Rimanaieiinat D7 OO) Wl Wednesday, November 27, 1991 @

Fast FACTS

Canada is expected to show the strongest economic growth and the second lowest rate of inflation among the world’s seven most industrialized nations, according to Conterence Board of Canada predictions.

The board forecasts Canada’s economic growth to be 4.3 per cent in 1992, while our inflation rate is predicted to be 3.6 per cent.

WorkRPLACE

| little

Merchants feeling merry

@ Business appears to be booming for Castlegar stores as residents spend Christmas dollars locally

Scott David Harrison EDITOR >) is the season to be jolly — at least that’s what area business people are saying.

At this festive time of year, area businesses appear to have more things than Christmas to celebrate. It seems some cash registers are working overtime as merchants catch the windfall of Castlegar residents

| spending their hard-earned

money at home.

“Things are really picking up,” Dave Nitsche of Mallards Sport and Ski Ltd. said. “It seems like people are buying

| gifts a lot earlier this year.”

Nitsche said Mallards has trouble attracting Christmas shoppers to its ski wear. He also said ski package deals have been a hot number with a lot of visitors.

“It helps,” he said, “when the ski season opens as early as this.”

Christmas is the make-it or break-it time for a lot of businesses. And in Castlegar, it appears most businesses will make it.

Take Bonnett’s Men’s Wear, for example.

Owner Heather Bonnett says the Christmas season will account for 25 per cent of her business.

“So far, so good,” Bonnett said with a smile. “Things are clearly up from last November.”

Unlike other area businesses, Bonnett says her store isn’t feeling the cross- border crunch.

She says local shoppers recognize the quality of) . adian clothing being

oduced and stocked/in her store and other Qastlegar stores. She says that’s bringing the customers back. \

“We're lucky compared to other stores, because people recognize Canadian quality and they want it.”

Bonnett, who has been in business for three years, admits that local stores can’t provide everything the eager shopper desire:

But, Bonnett says, she and other Castlegar businesses will help you find it.

“I’ve phoned Nelson and Trail for customers before,” she said. “If I don’t have what a customer wants, I’m going to at

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN

News photo by Ed Mills

Stores in Castlegar have stocked up for the expected Christmas rush, so sheppers like Cathy Lafortune and eight-year-old daughter Teri have a lot to choose from Monday as they check out the merchandise in the toy department at West's Department Store.

least help them find and hopefully that will be around here.

“No matter how hard you try, you can’t have everything for every person,” Bonnett said. “But we do try or best.”

been busy with people purchasing everything from recliners to rockers to bedroom suites.

And just so one wouldn’t begin to think the Christmas season was all about giving

“If I don’t have what a customer wants, I’m going to at least help them find and hopefully that will be around here.”

— Heather Bonnett

has yet to reach George Perepolkin’s door, though. Co- owner of Castlegar Sports Cards with his son, Perepolkin admits things have been average.

“I don’t think Christmas has come into effect yet,” said Perepolkin, who has been open for seven months. “There are a

least, that’s what

Another business trying its best to catch the Christmas spending spirit is United Buy and Sell Furniture Warehouse

Reichert said. probably been our busiest time of *

the year. Reichert said his store has

with no receiving, Reichert says families are spoiling themselves the odd time as well

He said furniture sets have proven popular as we wind down to Christmas.

“Families are treating themselves, too,” he said.

The Christmas shopping bug

is hoping for.

“We’ve never been in business during Christmas before, so we're learning everyday.”

With 27 shopping days left, Perepolkin is no doubt hoping his first Christmas will be his best.

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