Dec 16, 2008

Specialty stores get holiday gift: Sales aren’t that badBy Sara K. ClarkeOrlandoSentinel.com

Christmas is a big deal for Lin Hanzelko, who owns a specialty toy shop in Lake Mary. But this year, she stocked fewer items at her store, Timmy’s Toy Chest, not knowing if the jittery economy would scare away some of her usual holiday shoppers.

To her surprise, Hanzelko has already placed reorders for high-ticket items such as Playmobil play sets, which can retail for more than $100. And although shoppers are holding off a little longer than normal in hopes of deals, sales last month were on par with last year.

“When times are tough, mom and dad might forgo each other, but Santa Claus still comes,” Hanzelko said. “People are still looking for the same amount of presents under that tree.”

Even as many department store and other large retailers suffer this year, some small specialty retailers in Central Florida are reporting that sales are better than expected. They credit factors such as knowledgeable sales staffs, unique offerings and loyal customers for saving the season.

“I try to offer things that no other store has,” said Mike Rausch, co-owner of Colonial Photo and Hobby on North Mills Avenue in Orlando, where all of the camera salespeople are photographers themselves. “We have a good reputation of knowing what we’re selling.”

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