Wind doesn't deter shoppers

A whirlwind of shoppers braved a wintry eastern New Mexico wind for Small Business Saturday.

Temperatures in the 40s, and sustained winds around 30 mph most of the day, didn’t deter those determined to get a good start on their Christmas shopping.

While the wind — one gust was reported at 70 mph in Clovis — ruined some shopkeepers’ plans to set up displays outside their storefronts, most reported a noticeable increase in customers taking advantage of the tax-free holiday.

“We probably had around 40 to 50 customers today. It’s about double what we usually do,” said Anna Powell, owner of Clovis’ Main Street Crafter’s Mall. “With the wind like it is I really didn’t expect us to be this busy at all.”

But while there were more shoppers than a normal Saturday, some business owners reported they had less than in previous years.

Ashley Bural of Kiln Me Now said last year the store was packed with families taking advantage of their holiday specials, but this year only a few customers had stopped by.

“The wind was definitely keeping people away,” Bural said. “Last year you couldn’t find a seat in here and we had people lined up waiting for seats.”

Pat Grah of Penny Lane said she saw a steady stream of customers and managed to make some big furniture sales, but was disappointed she had to take down her front display and chain down her sign before they blew away.

Mary Knowles of Clovis was determined to brave the weather to take advantage of Small Business Saturday and spent some time shopping at Exhibit A.

“It’s a positive thing for our small businesses and community. It’s always good to support them,” Knowles said. “The wind was terrible but we were still going to fight it to come in and see all the little stores today.”

The windstorm wrapped up a holiday week of extreme weather in the region.

NWS reported Clovis and Portales received roughly an inch of snow and sheets of ice for Thanksgiving.

Days ahead are expected to be more shopper friendly, with winds mild today and temperatures expected in the high 50s and low 60s all week.