Retailers in town are doing well this holiday season.   Many of them have seen increases in sales over the last couple of weeks, especially with Christmas drawing nearer.

Safeway Assistant Manager Abe Palmer says they’re selling more this year, even though they haven’t brought in any new products.

“Sales this year have been substantially better than what they have been in past years. We have noticed that there is more fishing vessel business. This year, this early, before the season starts, then what there has been in past years.”

Palmer says that people might also be making some last-minute purchases, just in case their mail-order presents don’t make it in time to end up under the Christmas tree.  

“I believe they’re buying more in town, as opposed to ordering. Right now, with a bypass happening, a lot of the parcel post won’t be making it this week. So, I think in general, I think they are purchasing locally to ensure that they have presents or they have food, versus relying on outside services.”

People are stocking up on traditional Christmas delicacies as well.  Fina Vedeja at the Grand Aleutian gift shop says they’ve been selling lots of boxes of crab - more than recent years.  

Alaska Ship Supply Store Manager Eric Hanson says they’ve had more sales this year as well.  He attributes this to more preparation for the holiday. Hanson says that last year, they saw a lot of customers on Christmas Eve and he expects the same this year.

Marco Pasion at Lummi Fishing Supply says they’ve seen a holiday uptick in sales as well, especially sweatshirts and other outdoor gear, but nothing particularly different from previous years.

Unalaska retailers who have seen increased holiday sales this year are in line with a similar a national trend.

Monica Southwort reported this story.