Dickins of a Christmas breeds business for downtown stores | WLFI ...

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - In its 15th year Lafayette's Dickens of a Christmas continues to bring hundreds to Main Street, and hundreds of dollars? to Main Street retailers.

For most on Main Street, the sound of Christmas carols is often coupled with the sound of the cash register, which is music to the ears of small business owners.

Business owners say the flow of customers at most downtown stores can sometimes be less than ideal.? That's why special events like Saturday's Dickens of a Christmas are key for downtown business.

"There's a lot of people every year that tell us they come one day to downtown. And they pick Dickens because there are so many events, and because there are so many things they can get done in one day down here," said Traci Bratton, owner of Walnut Street Traditions in Lafayette.

In its fifteenth year, the event has gained such popularity that groups are even making it a point to visit the shopping destination from out of town.

"Actually it was a park district advertisement from LaPorte, my sister lives there, and we went on a bus trip with a bunch of other people for the day," said Joan Braun, a customer visiting especially for the Dickins event.

It's certainly a plus for local business owners that out-of-towners make the trip to Lafayette. Many small business owners feel Saturday is one of the bigger holiday shopping days of the season.

"We all agree, it's a big day for all of us," said Bratton.

And those patronizing local stores are happy to help in their small part, especially if it means finding unique and fun gifts for family and friends.

"You can see how they need these types of days to help their businesses," said Leeann Grabon, another out-of-town patron.

Special downtown events also included a farmers market, and a traveling version of a Christmas Carol.

Source: http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/news/local/dickens-of-a-christmas-breeds-business-for-downtown-stores

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