By Rebecca Shalomoff
That's the fervent hope, at least, among Five Towns shopkeepers.
We saw a dip this year, but certainly I feel people will be buying for the holidays if they are not traveling, said Bob Block, owner of The Jewelry Showroom in Cedarhurst. My motto is business is good, and it's going to get back to great.
The holiday shopping season began on the Friday after Thanksgiving, when many residents poured into local shops, hunting for the hottest items.
Among the most popular gift ideas for children this year, according to Kay-Bee assistant manager Shanta Rivera, is the Microsoft X-Box, replacing last year's hot-selling Sony Play Station. The latest video game system, which has a built-in modem and is internet compatible, now sells for $299.
Rivera said Project Gotham, a car-racing game, and Monster NBA Live, an interactive basketball game, are selling well. For girls, she said, the Barbie Laptop Book, which goes for $49.99, is a must buy for this year.
Among footwear, Incredible Feets' manager Mike Resnick said the Nike Jordan's and Shaq's sell out the quickest. For this year, the simple, old school, retro style sneakers are hot.
The holiday season is very big for us, he said. I'm always surprised, but a lot of people buy sneakers for gifts.
The Village of Cedarhurst is encouraging December shopping in its 200-plus stores by offering free parking in all municipal lots from Wednesday, Dec. 5 to Tuesday, Jan. 1.
In addition, local stores are offering gift certificates and items at reduced prices to attract and please more customers.
With every purchase of $200 at Ilene's Boutique in Woodmere, customers receive a holiday gift certificate of $25. Co-owner Gadi Rosenfeld said the decorated vintage jeans are among the hottest items, in addition to vintage jewelry, handbags and home accessories.
Elaine Sloane of Fortunoff's in Hewlett said a popular gift for the holidays are the George Forman Grills, especially the newest, George Foreman Rotisserie.
In this holiday season 2001, when America is seeped in a war against terrorism, Sloane said customers are looking for gifts that make them feel good. MacKenzie-Childs is a line of artsy gift ware, including platters, candlesticks, vases and trays.
It's feel-good merchandise, she said. A little whimsical, a little kooky. And there is something in almost every price range.
Mimi Bernstein of Mieka said, The holiday season has opened up in the Five Towns in a crisp manner.
Five Towners who shop at Mieka, Bernstein said, are among the fashion-oriented customer. They are coming in to buy cashmere sweaters, various types of shawls with novelty trims such as mink, accessories with an unusual look, leather jackets and fur-trimmed items.
***Happy shopping!!!!
