Jan 6, 2010

Recession resonated with Evanston shoppers over holidaysBy Katie ParkDailyNorthwestern.com

Despite a rise in consumer confidence, several Evanston businesses said sales have been slow, even during the holiday season.

The Consumer Confidence Index, a measure of consumers’ attitudes toward the economy, rose for the second straight month in December, according to a press release from the Conference Board on Dec. 29. It rose from November’s standing of 50.6 to 52.9.

Jonathan Perman, executive director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, said it was too early in the year to make assumptions about last year’s economic situation in Evanston. Still, he said retail sales have been down with the nation’s recession.

“The Evanston economy, like the rest of the nation, did not fare so well,” Perman said. “But in general, Evanston’s economy is more resilient than many other places in the country.”

Evanston has around 3,000 businesses, 20 percent of which represent the retail sector, Perman said.

Ji Park, manager of the clothing store Fashion Tomato, 1631 Sherman Ave., said business has been slower this holiday season than last holiday season. As a result, Park said the store will be moving from Evanston this fall.

“During the holidays, most of the (Northwestern) students go back home, so it’s slow in Evanston,” she said. “When you see stores having more sales, you know it is slow.”

Tyler Sapien, co-owner and buyer for gift shop The Things We Love, 614 Davis St., said sales for the holiday season decreased about 20 percent from last season.

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