Dec 23, 2008

Slow economy hits small-town retailersBy Dawn SchuettNews.PostBulletin.com

Lanesboro — Stocked with fashionable women’s clothing, fabrics and books this holiday shopping season, Cheryl’s Apparel lacks one thing necessary to ring up sales.

The independent retail shop in Lanesboro is short on customers. Owner Cheryl Lamon said she’s trying to stay positive but clearly, the economic recession is affecting her business, along with many other retailers regardless of their size.

“We are in very different times,” said Lamon who opened the store in 2004 after 22 years operating a garden center.

People are holding onto more of their money this holiday season rather than spending it on gifts, and Lamon said she doesn’t blame them.

“It’s going to be a while before things turn around,” she said.

Lanesboro shops do better during the tourist season when some people do their holiday shopping in the summer and fall, but the community is a “Christmas-wannabe town,” Lamon said.

“It’s always been a challenge for businesses in Lanesboro in the winter,” she said.

To manage this season, Lamon has cut employees and decided to teach sewing and quilting classes at the store.

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