Hatter Ken Schinles prepares to cross the finish line on his Holiday shopping at Nutters' Naturals on Thursday afternoon in Medicine Hat. The local outlet reports it is nearly sold out of Christmas gift trays and did a bustling business on baking supplies and other Holiday accoutrements this month.--News photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Retailers in Medicine Hat are reporting that Hatters are getting into the spirit of Christmas despite new worry about the coronavirus and lingering worry about the economy.
Restaurants and bars will be subject to some new health restrictions that come into effect on Christmas Eve, but retail stores are operating under existing conditions in place since September.
That’s also compared to more-strict regulations in late 2020, when restaurants were closed entirely to in-person dining.
Brian Kannakens, manager of Whisky District in the Badlands, said in its first year of operations, business in the restaurant has been steady and very busy on weekends.
Couples and families have been looking for a special night out, and larger parties, he said, wouldn’t be what he would describe as traditional Christmas parties.
“I think a lot of managers just wanted to take everyone out for a good meal as a thank you,” he said. “We’ve all been through a lot this year.”
Some bar owners who spoke with the News say earlier closing times could affect New Year’s celebrations, but were pleased to have a better lead-up to Christmas than last year.
In terms of gift giving, officials with local retailer Nutters reported higher sales of its Holiday trays across franchised locations in Western Canada. Sales of the goody trays, often given between offices or to clients of professional firms, were lower in 2020 as businesses were closed to the public or had Holiday budgets tightened.
Even flat economic news in 2021 isn’t having a major effect on some spending plans by individuals.
“Some people are watching their budgets, but some people are splurging,” said
Valinda Johnson, manager of the Paul Howe’s Liquor Store in Crescent Heights.
She said business has been building throughout the month, and there’s a sense of joy no matter what is in the news.
“By the time they get to us, they might be done their shopping – we’re a happy store – and if not, their smiling by the time they leave.”
