Holiday shopping gives Aiken, Augusta small businesses seasonal sales boost

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – In a year marked by construction, tariffs, government shutdown threats and economic uncertainty, the holiday season provided small businesses in Aiken and Augusta with a chance to turn a hefty profit.

Business owners across the region reported strong foot traffic and sales during the critical November and December period, which helps sustain them through slower months.

Pete Swales of High Country Olive Oil on Laurens Street said Aiken’s tourism appeal brings steady customers during the holidays.

“Aiken has a lot of folks coming in and visiting and traveling and a lot of tourism. And so we get a lot of folks just walking by,” Swales said.

The holiday season represents a crucial revenue period for his business.

“Our business becomes incredibly busy in that November and December time frame. It’s probably 1/3 of the year is done inside of that month and a half,” Swales said.

Across the street at The Little Red Fox Shop, Charles Lowe reported similar holiday traffic patterns.

“Tons, tons. We get… We don’t get a lot of foot traffic all year, but we get a lot this time of year,” Lowe said.

The shop, which features items from local artists, serves as a popular destination for gift shopping.

“It’s like really from mid-November to December, we stay swamped. It’s good because, you know, that’s where you make, like, we can get through like January and February are really slow,” Lowe said.

Pink Icing Boutique opened downtown at the beginning of the holiday season and immediately saw strong customer traffic.

“This is a little over a month since we’ve been here, and I’ve seen a tremendous amount of foot traffic before and after the holidays,” said Benicia Bush of Pink Icing Boutique.

In downtown Augusta, businesses also reported sustained activity extending beyond Christmas.

Shama S. Cartwright of Rebel Lion Den said the holiday season continues to bring customers downtown.

“After Christmas, they have Kwanzaa. So it’s still a pickup, because we’re still celebrating the holiday season, so people come through from the time, say Christmas Eve, on to like now, people are coming downtown,” Cartwright said.

Business owners said warm weather during the holiday season provided an additional boost, encouraging more people to walk around downtown areas and shop for gifts.

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