A SPECIAL REPORT: THE RETAIL OUTLOOK

A Green Christmas

Local retailers anticipate the best holiday in years, thanks to a rosier economy. Already doing well: the Imaginarium toy store at Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks, getting a boost from the recent debut of Bloomingdale’s. Since Bloomie’s opened last month, Imaginarium’s sales have shot up 30%, says manager Robin Baggett. Customers are snapping up Brio train sets . . . Some Thomas the Tank Engine toys are nearly sold out.

Bottoms Up

Northridge Hills Liquor & Wine Warehouse had a few slow years after the ’94 earthquake and due to the stagnant economy. But sales this year are up 40%. Merlot and Pinot Noir wines are going fast. “People are in better spirits,” says owner Paul Smith. . . . “Everyone I talk to is working. I don’t hear any sad stories.”

Trading Up

Sales at Computerlane in Canoga Park could soar 50% this Christmas, as people buy new PCs with superfast Pentium microprocessors, says the company’s Hashmi Muba. . . . Last year, few products excited consumers, but new offerings have stirred demand, he says. The cause? “The Internet and multimedia craze.”