Nov 4, 2010

Selma businesses encourage shopping locallyBy Doug HoaglandSelmaEnterprise.com

How do Selma merchants convince Selma residents to shop local during the Christmas season, which is all-important to many retailers? One thing they do — and have done for more than 15 years — is put on a Holiday Open House in downtown Selma. It’s scheduled this year for Friday, Nov. 5, and Saturday, Nov. 6. Stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, according to Cindy Howell, executive director of the Selma District Chamber of Commerce. Selma merchants chose early November many years ago to “jump start” their holiday selling season, Howell said: “All of the ‘big box’ stores already have Christmas decor and trees up, and our smaller specialty stores need to be able to compete.”

Howell said organizers will create a festive atmosphere by serving hot drinks, cookies and candies. In addition, the Selma High Chamber Singers will perform Friday while strolling through downtown.

Meanwhile, sales tax totals are one way to tell how much people shop in Selma.

Comparing the first three months of 2010 to the same period in 2009, sales tax revenue in Selma was down 0.2 percent. In the second three months of 2010, the revenue was down 0.1 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

The state Board of Equalization compiles the figures.

Fresno County, as a whole, showed an increase of 1.7 percent for the first three months of 2010 versus 2009 and a 9.8 percent increase for second three-month period.

Read complete article.