Sisters merchants hope for a strong season

The lights are strung, the stockings are hung and storefronts are bedecked in yuletide red and green, setting the downtown stage for what Sisters Country merchants hope will be a merrily uplifting holiday.

With the Thanksgiving feast in the rear view mirror and the Barclay Park town tree resplendent in white lights, it's full steam ahead for local shoppers and vacation travelers patronizing specialty shops Sisters has to offer.

Whether registers will be loudly ringing in the new year or prove a disappointing silent night for business owners is to be seen - but spirits are high so far.

Green fir trees line the sidewalk at Space Age gas station, standing tall waiting for hospitable holiday homes. Doug Gibney and his son, Beau, have been hauling in Christmas trees for Sisters for the past four years.

"I think last year we sold nearly 300 trees and hope we break that record," Beau said.

On the other side of town, Lutton's Ace Hardware is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, stocked with everything to enhance the holidays, from tree trimming supplies and firelogs, to extra bulbs, singing Santas and miles of extension cords.

Owner Daly Milroy is cautiously optimistic for a profitable end of the year.

"We order twice a week so we're pretty prepared," she said as another Ace Hardware delivery truck rumbled up outside. "Christmas lights for indoors and outdoors are the best sellers. Last year with the economy it seemed like people bought more replacement lights than new strings, piecing things together. This year it feels like people are really excited and anxious to decorate."

At Sisters Coffee Company, a Nativity scene sits atop the piano and the 17-foot tree is aglow, where a steady stream of holiday coffee lovers indicates that this December may be a merry one.

Books are popular gift items, and Paulina Springs Books is encouraging shoppers to buy local with ample discounts off hardbacks and bestsellers to discourage online purchases.

One business that won't be having a holly jolly Christmas is Ken's Old-Fashion Pizza on Hood Avenue, closing for good last Saturday.

"It's not the town or the business," said owner Ken Neff, dismantling a counter with a hammer. "I'll miss Sisters but I've been doing this for 30 years and it's time to call it quits. I pretty much gave the equipment away. I have a chance to go to Ecuador so I'm going to do it and I'm on my way."

The familiar scents of cinnamon and pine greet guests inside the fragrant holiday wonderland at Flowers By Deanna.

"We start early in September so we better be ready," said owner Deanna Brainerd. "It's nice to be on the main drag and getting more people in the door. We sell a ton of ornaments, flowers and fresh product."

Across town at Three Sisters Floral, owner Ruth Raizin said she is ready for holiday shoppers - especially the ones who push their deadlines.

"Who doesn't love flowers and plants?" she said. "And flowers and chocolates and truffles are great for the last minute."