As Christmas lights sparkle across downtown Cynthiana, the city’s small‑business owners are looking to the holiday rush to help balance the strain of rising costs. For many family‑run shops, the season represents a crucial opportunity to sustain their livelihoods and keep the local economy vibrant.
Shop owners weigh price pressures against holiday demand
Judy Pierce, owner of Molly B’s, says the holiday period is the time she “looks for every year” to see a surge in foot traffic. “We have local and out‑of‑town shoppers helping keep business moving,” she explained. However, Pierce noted that the cost of goods has climbed sharply, forcing her to spend more time finding products that offer good value for customers.
“The cost of prices have gone up, so it takes a lot more time to look for a product that’s worth the money for our customers,” Pierce said. Despite the pressure, she strives to keep her retail prices stable, recognizing that many families are already paying more for everyday necessities like groceries and gas.
Antique dealers see a steady stream of visitors
Across the street, Fibonacci Antiques is also counting on the holiday crowd. Owner Allegra Lane noted that the shop continues to attract both local residents and visitors from surrounding areas. “I would say maybe it’s a different group of people that are coming out to buy, but we do still stay busy,” she said.
Lane added that the holiday season typically brings a “pretty heavy” uptick in sales. While she has not yet measured this year’s numbers, she expects the performance to match or exceed last year’s results.
Community appeal: shop local, support families
Both Pierce and Lane emphasize the importance of community support. “Just make a day trip and just go everywhere and shop and support us. That’s what keeps our doors open, you know, it’s hard,” Pierce urged shoppers.
For families looking to stretch their holiday budgets, buying locally can provide quality gifts while keeping money within the community. Local purchases help preserve jobs, maintain the character of downtown Cynthiana, and ensure that small businesses can continue to serve residents for years to come.
Looking ahead
As the city prepares for the busiest shopping days of the year, merchants remain hopeful that the festive spirit will translate into the sales needed to offset higher expenses. Their message to shoppers is clear: a visit to Cynthiana’s downtown this holiday season supports not only individual stores but the broader fabric of the community.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
