I first started at the Bemidji (Minn.) Pioneer as an intern in the summer of 1996. That would begin six years as a news reporter, sports reporter and copy editor for a small, six-day-per-week daily newspaper in northern Minnesota. I wrote a large range of stories from multiple beats, to features to sports, my favorite being the coverage of the Red Lake Reservation High School basketball team named the Warriors. Here is a collection of my stories from my time at the Pioneer.
Dec. 22, 1996
By Devlyn Brooks
Staff Writer
The Christmas shopping season is drawing to a close, and there is now only three shopping days left -- counting today and Christmas Eve day.
As the hours tick away, retailers -- nationally and locally -- are hoping last-minute shoppers will make their Christmas even merrier than it already has been.
Economic analyists say national retail sales were up 6 to 10 percent in November as compared to last November, and many contribute the increase to a number of factors.
First, stores have pushed promotions strongly this year hoping to draw more crowds after a dismal 1995 Christmas shopping season. Last year was recorded as the worst retail holiday season in a decade.
Second, the calendar is making its contribution by providing one less shopping week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which has pushed shoppers into a panic because a shortage of time, analysts say.
Also, as reported in The Star Tribune of Minneapolis, according to Ira Kalish, an economist with Management Horizons, the retail consulting arm of Price Waterhouse, the economy is healthier this year, interest rates are lower, employment is higher and there is a demand for "soft goods," such as apparel.
In contrast, durable goods, such as computers and other electronics, are selling slowly because people are buying less on credit this season, and there are fewer new "got-to-have-it" electronic gadgets and gizmos.
According to a national poll, conducted by The Associated Press, consumers said their top five favorite holiday shopping places included, respectively, department stores, discount stores, clothing stores, toy stores and music/video stores. And nationally, economic figures seem to support the survey.
Target, a discount division of Minneapolis-based Dayton Hudson Corp., is reporting more than a 16 percent increase in sales for November, and Wal-Mart is reporting a 9.8 percent increase for the same period. Sears, Kmart and J.C. Penney all reported modest gains between 2.5 to 6.5 percent.
Locally, however, a different story is being told. Although many Bemidji retailers are reporting modes sales increases this year, other stores report sales are comparable to 1995.
Most business owners and managers said exact sales figures for this Christmas season will not be available until well into the new year, but by the flow in traffic through their stores, they can tell sales should be up at least a few percent.
Here's a glimpse of how some Bemidji retailers are faring:
Sandy Wrolstad, owner of Snow Goose Gifts, a gift shop at 102 First St. in Union Square, said the holiday season started slower than in 1995, but sales had been "steady for the last several days." She said she had had some "good days" and some "terrific days." The most popular gifts she has seen selling are candles, incense, Christmas-related items and a Bemidji throw blanket. The blanket has sold out and will not be available again before Christmas.
Pamela Kelsey, co-owner of Kelsey's As You Like It, a jewelry shop at 312 Beltrami Ave., said business has been steady, but she expects it to pick up in the next three days. "Business hasn't been 'boomy,'" she said, "but it is steadier than last year." Her most popular items have included rings, earrings and diamond necklaces.
Diane Berger, a manager at Target, a discount store on Highway 2 West, said sales are "definitely" up from last year, but it has not been a "boom." She said some of the more popular gifts have been "Tickle Me Elmo," a new-born doll and Nintendo 64 for children, and a popular gift for adults has been cappuccino makers.
Lori Stay, a manager at Kmart, a discount store in the Paul Bunyan Mall, said sales have not increased dramatically, but big-ticket items are selling better than last year. She said sales will be up modestly, but expects the next few days will help increase sales totals. Kmart also has sold out of "Tickle Me Elmos," but Nintendo Gameboys, "Feed-me Cabbage Patch" dolls and board games also have sold well. For adults, bread machines and phones are hot items.
Carrie Ross, merchandise sales promotions manager at Herberger's, a department store in the Paul Bunyan Mall, said sales are up some, but this year's sales are comparable to last year. She said she expects sales to rise after this weekend's sale planned at Herberger's. Bread machines, children's birthstone necklaces and the "Joe Boxer" line of clothing have been selling well.
Cathy Johnson, owner of Christmas Fantasy, a Christmas store at 5200 Highway 2 West, said sales are not higher than last year. However, she has noticed that people are shopping for a more personalized type of gift this season. She has been selling a lot of small figurines and theme-related items.
Dan Durkin, a manager at J.C. Penney, a department store in Paul Bunyan Mall, said there is a "nice" increase in sales over last year, and he expects sales to rise again this weekend. Prices have stayed much firmer this year, which he said is an indicator of a better shopping season. Professional sports team apparel, sweaters and men's shirts have been selling well.
Bill Batchelder, president of Bemidji Woolen Mills, 301 Irvine Ave. N.W., said sales have increased 20 percent over the last two years, and he has seen a "tremendous response from all over Minnesota this year. They have been selling Bemidji centennial blankets, Hudson Bay blankets and traditional wool mittens, he said.
Annette Nyland, owner of Lake Country Clothing, 222 Third St., said sales have been "quite a bit down," which might be explained by the cold days late last week. "People like to shop in the mall when it gets cold," she said. "The Carhartt line of clothing and Red Wing boots have been popular.
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