.jpg)
Area business reported a successful 2023, with overall strong shopping trends.
While the year was not without its challenges, Rebecca Logan, executive director of Main Street Lexington, said it mostly positive.
“Overall, it was a good year. The summer was a little bit slower than in years past, and there were a number of factors, such as higher gas prices,” she said.
“People were taking bigger trips. Instead of weekend trips they were traveling farther, traveling internationally, and we didn’t capture the clientele that we maybe did in the Covid years or just after,” said Logan.
In spite of this, Cindy Hughes, owner of Sugar Maple Trading Company on Main Street, said that 2023 brought an increased sense of normalcy and greater sales.
“2023 was a good year for us,” she said. “It was so nice to see people able to fully celebrate special occasions in their lives - people celebrating reunions, graduations, weddings, vacations, girls’ trips, days off, birthdays, anniversaries and just stopping in our town halfway going from here to there all shopped in our store and we loved hearing their stories.
“People were generally happy and loved engaging in ‘normal’ life again.”
Holiday shopping across Lexington remained fairly stable, according to Logan.
“The holiday season was fine — not stellar, but not bad. I think all our downtown business did OK,” she said. “Overall, people are just being a little more careful with their money right now.”
However, some business noted improvements.
“We’re now in our fourth year at our 29 W. Nelson St. location and we feel that we’ve really established ourselves as a shop for everyone,” said Zander Tallman of Just Games.
“The 2023 holiday season was another good one for us,” he continued. “It was slightly better than last year which was slightly better than the year before that. Sales were up by nearly the same amount during the holiday season as they have been up the whole year compared to last year.
“The week after Christmas has been quite busy as a lot of family members stay in town visiting through the whole week,” Tallman continued. “We’re always glad we stay open immediately after Christmas” Older Lexington business also reported a successful year, such as Artists in Cahoots on Nelson Street, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023.
“As Artists in Cahoots spent 2023 in celebration of our 40th anniversary of being in business, we were delighted with not only the increase in tourist traffic, but the overwhelming support from local shoppers and W&L and VMI students,” said Rebecca Warner, advertising manager. “We are so happy to be part of this loving community!”
Warner is also looking forward to change and growth in the coming year.
“In 2024 we will continue to celebrate the arts of Lexington with ongoing First Friday receptions, featured artists, and special events. Together with Gallery Row, the conglomerate of galleries on Washington Street, we look forward to a robust and exciting new year,” she said.
In Rockbridge County, 3 Season’s Antiques also had a good year.
“We offered a different schedule than years past Vintage Days in the Shop once a month and pop-ups in the community,” said Melinda Mills, owner.
“Sales were better than last year and we look forward to expanding on Vintage Days in the Shop in 2024 - as well as offering a new component to 3 Seasons Antiques & Unique Treasures!”
Karen Siegfried of Wade’s Mill also saw increased sales in 2023, which she credited to both local and traveling customers.
“Our 2023 retail sales were up about 10% over 2022,” she said. “We noticed somewhat of an increase in repeat shoppers coming from within Rockbridge County, in addition to our usual tourist traffic, for which we are always appreciative.”
Buena Vista businesses also saw increased traffic in 2023, according to Brooke Dalton, director of Main Street Buena Vista.
“Buena Vista had a terrific 2023, and compared to prior years, it has seen a significant climb in visitors,” she told The News-Gazette. “This increase in visitors can be attributed to the successful implementation of various marketing initiatives and activities aimed at attracting people to downtown.
“For many businesses, 2023 also brought increased sales,” said Dalton. “Coiners Country Store saw a rise in both revenue and visitors in 2023, and they anticipate exciting new changes for 2024.”
Last year was the first full year for the BeeVee, on Magnolia Avenue.
“Since 2023 was our first full year of business, we don’t have much comparison to past years but it was a good year,” said Madeline Wells, manager.
“Our business actually spiked in April and May while the summer months slowed down a little bit. The fall picked up again with students from all the universities back in town and we stayed pretty busy through the end of the year,” she said.
Other Buena Vista stores extended their reach.
“Sales at Flowers and Things at Sycamore Lane in Buena Vista may not have increased in 2023, but the owner is pleased to be growing after buying University Florist in Lexington this past September and is looking forward to serving both communities in the new year,” said Dalton.
“With a grand opening on Feb. 23, Katana’s took the leap from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant,” she said. “They have since become a popular dining spot in the area and have expanded, opening their food truck in Lexington.”
