Holiday Sales Up From a Year Ago

Local businesses tallying their final sales figures have reported a gangbuster holiday season this year, with a robust economy fueling double-digit improvements over last year.

“I think it went very well; the merchants are all reporting that they had a very good season,” said Peggy Wemberly, general manager of the Janss Marketplace on Moorpark Road. “So I think we’re going to be reporting a big increase.”

Indeed, Wemberly said, while the recent cold snap initially threatened to tamper with business at the outdoor mall, it actually ended up working in their favor.

“The cold weather also helped us out a little there this week since people were buying jackets and sweaters and more high-end items,” Wemberly said. “I think it made people feel more in the Christmas spirit.”

Over at The Oaks mall on Hillcrest Drive, Marketing Director Diane Brandes said that the mall’s 20th anniversary celebration this year also helped to boost sales.

“November certified sales are up 11%, and probably we’re going to end the year up about 10% overall,” Brandes said.

Brandes also said that because The Oaks has a sophisticated sales tracking system in place, it can informally gauge its day-to-day sales rather than simply waiting for official figures to come out several weeks later.

“We have a program that gives us daily sales, so every day we know how we did compared to last year and track how each holiday promotion is helping the businesses,” Brandes said.