Scandinavian chocolate. A Goonies-inspired painting. A new guitar complete with lessons. When it comes to finding the perfect present this holiday season, look no further than nearby, small businesses for unique options with a local flair.
“You never know what the hot item is going to be, but there are some things that are consistently strong,” said Saara Mathews, owner of FinnWare. Specialty chocolate, holiday figurines and ornaments are particularly popular.
“Most of our Christmas items come from Scandinavia, you can’t find them everywhere,” Matthews said. “We’re the last Scandinavian storefront in Oregon.”
Art options abound throughout Astoria; among them is a commercial illustrator Dave McMacken, owner of Ratz & CO, a poster, print and painting gallery at 260 10th St.
“I’m a pure landscape painter,” McMacken said. “And then I just mix it up with cartoons and science fiction.” A commercial illustrator for 50 years, McMacken finds inspiration in local landscapes, boatyards and abandoned buildings and empty gas stations. Scenes depicting Astoria, Chinook and Ilwaco hang throughout a gallery offering a fresh interpretation on familiar scenes.
For several local businesses the holiday season is critical boost before slower months and a chance to clear inventory by offering deep discounts.
“You can save 50 percent on a refrigerator right now,” said Roby’s Furniture and Appliance manager Brandon Carr. “Everybody believes they can get a better deal at box stores, which isn’t true.” Appliances and mattresses are among the current items with the biggest discounts.
During the dead of winter, the flowers are in full bloom for one corner floral shop.
“December is generally our best month of the year,” said Bloomin’ Crazy Floral owner Diane Berry. “It’s a significant jump over our best summer month.” But it’s not poinsettias that adorn store shelves during the holidays. Instead it’s boutique gifts and unique flowers such as pincushion proteas, as smaller florists seek to diversify stock and get more creative to compete with big-box stores.
Down the street, another small business is gearing up for own rendition of holiday rock.
“It’s absolutely the most important time of the year for us,” said Rick Holt, owner of Thiel’s Music. “We rely a lot on the holiday season to get us through the slow months.” Entry-level guitars are especially popular during the holidays, according to Holt, who also offers lessons on-site.
While springtime and cruise ships bring the biggest crowds, secondhand stores see a spike in business during the holidays.
“While people are out shopping for others, sometimes they want to treat themselves a little bit,” said Alicia Phifer, owner of the The Fox & The Fawn, a consignment boutique at 1008 Commercial St. “And because it’s secondhand, they don’t feel like they’re buying a big thing for themselves at a time when they need to spend money on others.”
For a lot of businesses in Astoria, “Black Friday” is secondary to “Plaid Friday” and “Small Business Saturday” — alternative campaigns that aimed at encouraging shoppers to buy local and promote small businesses during the holiday season.
The big-box Black Friday experience can still be found on Commercial Street, however.
“We get crazy busy — lined up to the isle busy,” said Chris Hoffman, operations supervisor at J.C. Penny in Astoria.
“Traditionally, everyone goes to Fred Meyer to get their socks because they open up an hour before we do, then they come here.” Hoffman anticipates the busiest rush between 9 and 10 a.m.
“If I had to pick something that we sell a lot of that’s also a good bargain for, it’s sleep pants — kids, men, women — you name it,” she said.