Tri-City retailers are optimistic about the upcoming holiday shopping season.“Our market usually outperforms the national trend due to our strong local economy,” said Barbara Johnson, general manager of Columbia Center mall in Kennewick. “It’s always kind of like looking into a crystal ball. I’m expecting consumer spending locally to be...
Barbara Johnson,General manager atSimon Property Group – Columbia Center mallBrief background of your business:Columbia Center is the largest regional shopping center in Eastern Washington and Oregon, with more than 125 stores and restaurants. Columbia Center was built in the Tri-Cities in 1969 and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the...
The owner of a 100-year-old retail mainstay in downtown Kennewick is winding down operations.“Age and time and generations running out; the business is healthy, happy and doing great, but it’s just time for us to change course,” said John Gravenslund, owner and general manager of True Value Washington Furniture and...
By D. Patrick JonesIt’s November and ’tis the season. Holiday decorations, a parade of ads, the Hallmark channel showing lots of Christmas trees and, of course, the ever-present music reminds us that it is time to shop. For most retailers, as this quarter goes, so go the results for the...
Chamber officials, Tri-City retailers remind shoppers to think localLocally-owned Tri-City retailers hope shoppers will “think small” when picking out their holiday gifts this year.“We expect a really great holiday season. Retail is up about three percent nationwide, so it’s doing well. People are spending more money in shops and definitely...
Einan’s at Sunset will transform its Richland event center into the North Pole this holiday season.The fourth annual Santa’s Village is a great way for families to shop for gifts, enjoy holiday snacks, snap photos with Santa and kick off the holiday season, said Holley Sowards, operations manager of Einan’s...
Tri-City thrift store shoppers can check out Kennewick’s newest shop, Tri-Cities Autism Thrift.The new store provides job skills training opportunities for those with autism and other cognitive disabilities.“I had been praying a long time for there to be a place for my 24-year-old daughter — who has high-functioning autism —...
Book appointments for Santa photos onlineAvoid the lines for a photo with Santa at Columbia Center mall by reserving an appointment in advance.Children can share their Christmas wishes and get photos with Santa beginning Nov. 18 through Dec. 24 outside the Sears store.Parents can reserve times with Santa online at simonsanta.com.“One...
Benton County was among the top 10 counties in the state for highest taxable retail sales in the second quarter, according to figures released by the state Department of Revenue.Benton County’s sales grew to $979 million, or 3.7 percent, and Franklin County’s to $374 million, or 7.8 percent over the...
While people were trying to squeeze in one last summer trip before the school year kicked off, Bill Watson was preparing for cold weather and holiday shopping.“Most employers are getting ready for seasonal hiring in September,” said Watson, business services contact for WorkSource Columbia Basin. “They like to get people...
