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The sale's the thing
By BRIAN BETHEL
In retail, the sale's the thing, and there have been plenty driving the local economy.
The arrival of big-name retailers to the community continues to create diversity and fuel growth, while well-established shops continue to enjoy a healthy clientele.
"From all indications, retail is very, very strong in Abilene," said Bill Ehrie, president of the Abilene Industrial Foundation. "Recent additions have created a very strong, very diverse retail market."
Ehrie said that the city's economy was adjusting from an over-reliance on oil, gas and agriculture, moving into new, bold areas - something that will help everyone in the community.
"In the mid-80s, we started seeing significant changes in what makes up our local economy," he said. "What we have now is a better balance of all sectors of the economy, rather than a system dominated by a handful of industries."
Much of the recent growth in the retail market has generally been on the south side of the city, shadowing major developments and new arrivals.
"The local retail scene has grown tremendously the last couple of years, building up to a large extent around the mall," said Steve Majors, general manager at the Mall of Abilene.
This is not surprising, Majors said. With the successful additions of several major mall retailers recently and a solid, general growth all around, Abilene has become a shopping mecca for local residents and the surrounding community.
"Abilene has a trade area of about 50 to 60 miles," he said. "People come to Abilene to do their shopping, mostly on weekends. It's a good, centralized location for many individuals in the outlying communities - and most importantly, it's a place they can go to get the goods they want to purchase."
Sales at the mall have been good, and Majors said he expects the same or better this year. Total sales are up about 5 percent, with leased space hitting about 96 percent.
A recent trend has seen several big-name retailers coming to Abilene.
For the local manager of a new chain supply store the few brief months his business has been operating in Abilene have been predictably profitable.
"I think this is a new experience for companies like this," he said. "Towns like Abilene represent a very real opportunity for larger businesses looking to branch out."
The interest in new businesses is genuine. And big names apparently mean big expectations from consumers.
"When we were getting close to opening the store, we started giving out 10 percent off coupons to anyone who came to see if we were open," he said. "We gave out 1,500 coupons in a very short time."
That and the sales thus far indicate that larger retailers coming to town can survive and thrive.
"This is something you'll definitely see more of as the larger companies that have come here begin to establish themselves," the manager said. "It's smart business - once you establish yourself in a larger market, move to smaller but growing areas."
While many shoppers enjoy the convenience and selection of a larger store, that doesn't mean the smaller retailers are left out of the mix.
Earl Williams, owner of The Bootery, said that his business is progressing at an even keel.
"We're sort of a specialty store," said Williams, a well-known local shoe retailer. "We still believe in the concepts of service and selection. If someone is going to spend their money on a quality pair of shoes from us, we believe in treating them well."
While this has been a difficult year for many West Texans, Williams said that business has been "steady and good."
"We think what West Texas needs is a quality shoe store, and we've been here long enough to know how to provide that quality," he said. "We pride ourselves on our service and our selection.
"We may be little dinosaurs when it comes to some things, but that doesn't mean we're in any danger of becoming extinct. It just means that we're willing to do things the old-fashioned way."
Large retailers coming to town can put a pinch on local small businesses, Ehrie said.
But there's no doubt that as Abilene's economy continues to become more diverse, retail sales will help lead the way, he said.
"There's been a significant change in philosophy from some of the larger retailers, and that means good news for consumers. Abilene's economy will continue to become more balanced, and retail is an extremely important component."