By JUDY RATTNER
Many local businesses are offering discounts and creative shopper incentives, and a number of stores are expanding their business hours -- staying open longer and opening on both Saturdays and Sundays - to accommodate shoppers.
"Even before this economic mess, I've always felt that the local businesses support all the community activities, whether it involves donating to the yearbooks of local schools or supporting Little League teams in the area," said Bruce Mirkin, owner of Accent on Eyes, who is filling in as acting president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce while President Larry Siegel recuperates from surgery. "The community comes to the local businesses, not the national chains. And now, in this particular downturn, it would be particularly helpful to keep the local businesses afloat by patronizing them rather than running to the mall."
Mirkin added that his Park Avenue store is open on Sundays for the first time ever this month, and that it is offering larger discounts than normal on glasses and sunglasses. Neighboring shops on North Park Avenue -- Bertalia, which offers men's clothing and shoes; Rhea Nichols, which sells women's shoes; and Michael's Jewelry - plan a "Party on Park" from Dec. 12 to 14, with special offers, extended shopping hours and free valet parking. Rockville Camera, meanwhile, is offering photo ordering services on its Web site, with no shipping or handling charges, to save customers time and gas money.
The village, in conjunction with the chamber, is once again offering free shopper parking in the downtown business districts on Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
Diana Korman of Mormile Florists, on North Long Beach Road, and Flowers Off Park, on Sunrise Highway, said they are giving customers 20 percent off their holiday silk arrangements and wreaths, and 10 percent off gift baskets that don't contain fruit. Korman added that although there is no discount on fresh flowers, customers can expect to see a 20 percent increase in value in those fresh arrangements.
Keith Linsalata of Art Flowers and Gift Shoppe, which now occupies temporary retail space on North Village Avenue following a fire at its old location down the street, said his shop will offer coupons for free delivery and discounts on Christmas wreaths and grave blankets. Linsalata promises affordable gifts that should help shoppers save money.
Masters and Co. Florist, on South Village Avenue, will again decorate its windows for the holidays and plans to host its third annual holiday fundraiser on Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a small donation - with proceeds benefiting the Rosa Lee Young Childhood Center -Santa Claus and his elves will be available for photos in the store. Owner Laurie Speziale said 10 percent of all in-store sales this weekend will be donated.
Leders Jewelers, on North Village, will open Mondays and extend its hours. For the first time the store will be mailing clients a catalog.
Neighboring ArtRageous Studio, which sells pottery and painting supplies, is offering customers a free ornament with every two purchased. Ivy Ramos, who owns Rustic Arts, around the corner on Merrick Road, said she is offering a 20 percent storewide discount through the month.
Cooks Fancy, on South Park Avenue, has large discounts on Vera Bradley colors and styles.
Brian Reardon, of Monster Music, on Merrick Road, is keeping the music alive with complete guitar packages (including amplifier, strap, cable tuner and gig bag) starting at $249, and five-piece drum sets from $449.
Local salons are offering customers incentives as well. Salon Tika, on Merrick Road, is offering free blowouts and a new program in which a client's sixth service is discounted by $25. "Instead of giving items that our clients may not use, we're giving them a $20 service gift card and an additional one for a friend," said Kristin Altrui, co-owner of the salon.
Restaurants, meanwhile, are hoping to attract some of the shoppers checking out the deals at village stores. Lorraine Cestone, of Gabrielle's Brasserie and Wine Bar on North Park Avenue, said the restaurant will extend two promotions through the holiday season: its free glass of wine with lunch, and its Wine Down Wednesday half-price bottles with dinner. Cielo, on Sunrise Highway, is now open for lunch, and offers prix-fixe lunch and midweek dinner specials.
Churchill's, on South Park Avenue, is offering $50 and $100 gift certificates at 20 percent off. And Dinos, on Sunrise Highway, hopes to entice hungry shoppers with twilight specials and a special five-course menu.
Throughout the year, members of the Chamber of Commerce work to connect commerce and community. For more information and a complete list of its members, go to rvcchamber.com.
Comments about this story? RVCeditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
