Page 5 - The Peorian Vol 3 Issue 1 Winter
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W
hile preparing this
issue of
The Peorian
just
before Thanksgiving, it
seemed appropriate to discuss why
the National Retail Federation is
projecting sales this holiday season
would increase when:
A) Consumer confidence was shaken
by the government shutdown;
B) The economic recovery is still
sluggish;
C) The fact that Thanksgiving is on
the latest possible day it can be and
thus, the shopping season will be
shorter this year than last.
Add to that the fact that around
here consumer confidence is
even shakier because the largest
single employer in central Illinois,
Caterpillar Inc., can’t seem to shake
the economic doldrums because of
what is happening around the world.
So what about the confidence of
local retailers?
One might think anybody who
goes into retail must have an
optimistic streak. The cynical side of
me would bet there are many retailers
who are closet pessimists, made that
way by the roller coaster ride their
profession takes them on each year.
But then, when I interviewed some
retailers for this issue I found them
confident they are going to have a
strong season because they sense
pent-up demand, and because they
believe in this community.
One of those was Jeff Broms,
refreshing in his candor about the
retail industry but also about the
retail life. He is a success, as was his
father before him, with Broms Furs
& Fashion. But that success did not
come without personal sacrifices,
the kind you can imagine when the
entrepreneur works 12 to 16 hours a
day to ensure that success.
Another was Vicky Gardner,
owner of My Dog’s Bakery. She is a
CPA by profession who turned down
a six-figure position to buy that store
at Metro Centre because of her love
for animals and the desire to make
sure they are treated well and treated
right.
The Dixon family, owners of
the top fish company in downstate
Illinois, adapts as needed to keep the
freshest fish and seafood available
for this region. Brad Pettet took a
chance moving his jewelry store into
the former Pabst building in Peoria
Heights because he believes that old
but beautiful building is ready to
thrive again. Joe Russell at Russell’s
Cycle & Fitness in Washington went
through with a redesign of his store
in the throes of the recession because
he felt it was necessary for him, for
his customers and community.
Then there is Mike and Debbie
Hallar. They made Academy of
Screenprinting and Awards into what
it is now by learning to build their
own machines to save money and by
offering what their customers want
even if it isn’t cost effective. And now
they want to give back by designing,
creating and presenting to their loyal
customers and to the public a special
Peoria-centric keepsake ornament —
free of charge.
Those are the kinds of retailers we
have in this city, in this region. That’s
why
The Peorian
focuses on them each
year. We believe in them; we hope
you will, too.
Happy holidays.
President ӕ Publisher
Julie Russell
Editor
Paul Gordon
Design
Stuart Clubb
Mike Cameron
Megan Valentine
Contributing Writers
Kevin Kizer
Dr. Peter J. Couri
Cathi Hawkinson
Dr. Joy Miller
Kate O’Hara
Bill Knight
Advertising Sales Contact
Production Manager
Mark Kiel
Production
AdCo Advertising Agency, Inc.
1302 W. Pioneer Parkway
Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 692-7880
Editor
From the
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