Holiday sales flat in capital, solid elsewhere

The Christmas retailrush appears to havefallenflat in Fredericton, N.B., butsales in both Saint John and Bathurstheld strong, sayareachambers of commerce.

The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce said its members have reportedno real increase in sales over last year.

The strength of the loonie played a role in the capital city's lackluster season, says Fredericton chamber CEO, Krista Ross.

"When the Canadian dollar is as strong as it has been, it encourages some cross-border shopping and that has an impact on our local shopping," Ross said.

Meanwhile, Danielle Gaudette of the Bathurst Chamber of Commerce says her members are pleased with the Christmas season in both stores and restaurants.

"Speaking with our hospitality sector, they were booked since November with corporate functions, Christmas cocktails, et cetera, so it was definitely a lovely year."

In Saint John, Imelda Gilman, board of trade president,says business was good as well. She credited the retail sector with encouraging consumers to shop locally, something they'll be expanding upon.

"Our members are looking at developing a shop-local campaign for next year. Not just for the Christmas season, but something that's a year-long campaign," said Gilman.

"Being a small town and everybody knows each other, they can be sure they're going to get wonderful service. So a lot of people do like to get that personal attachment with their local merchants."

Waiting an extra day

Scott Robertson was shopping in Saint John Tuesday. He says post-Christmas shopping is a tradition for his family and he says he didn't mind having to wait a bit longer than consumers in other parts of the country.

"The workers in there are really working hard. They're tired. They're exhausted. I would hate to see them the day after Christmas dragging themselves in full of turkey and have to deal with 10,000 shoppers in a day," Robertson told CBC News.

"As a consumer I don't like it, but as a person and as a Maritimer, I'm glad we do it," he added. "One day? We can wait. Spend another day with your family."

Heather Toole, who made her first trip to buy electronicsduring theBoxing Day sales Tuesday, said she agrees.

"Those in retail work very very hard, so I think that's actually quite a pleasant thing to have that extra day for them. The gentlemen who sold us said he was in here at 4 a.m., so I think that having a day off before that, there's nothing wrong with that."