Coral Gables Historical Archive
The Times
Thursday, December 22, 1960, page 23 (of 23)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
This Year's Christmas Business Is Good, Merchants Tell The Times
By DAVID STONE With the Christmas season in full swing, some Coral Gables stores report that their sales have increased as much as 50 per cent over last year's figures. However, for some it is a different story — their Christmas business has dropped. Of the eight stores contacted by The TIMES, four reported an increase, three a decrease, and one had neither an increase nor decrease. Here is a report on the Christmas business of the eight stores that were contacted, and how it compares to 1959, at the same time of the year. Ro'al, Miracle Mile women's dress shop, sees an increase of about 15 per cent over last year. Albert Friedman, owner, thinks that advertising has helped his store the most. He said, "The Chambare of Commerce did a very fine job of promoting Santa Claus's arrival and the committee plans to use Santa's float during the Christmas selling season. If the merchants would get together and advertise we would get back a lot of business from the shopping centers." Shoe Shop Stuart-Kanter, Miracle Mile shoe shop for children, reported that business is much slower than it should be. Harry Gamse, salesman for five years at the store, explained that the store usually has a shelf full of lay-away articles, but so far it is empty The fancy shoes, such as bedroom slippers, are not going very well. Kirt's Pipe Shop, specialist in pipes and tobacco, revealed that sales have increased. Donald Kirtley gave advertising the credit for the rise. He also remarked, "People can expect a bad business year because of the election. Things are too unstable at the moment." Dress Salon Don Mullen, Miracle Mile dress salon, has noted no change over last year's business. However, Mullen believes that he will have a slight increase before Christmas. Mrs. Ernest E. Robinson of Robeinson's Jewelers has found that business is way off. She believes that the lack of proper parking space has accounted for the drop. Also, a large discount jewelers, early Christmas display and shopping centers are contributing to the decrease. Men's Store The Slack Shop, men's clothing store, has noted that business is slack, but a large increase is expected. Pete Golden, salesman, remarked that he had noticed that business seemed slow in the Coral Gables area. "I went for a walk on Miracle Mile and saw only one person in four stores I passed," he said. He believes that the large chain stores will do most of the business because they have lower cost merchandise. Once again, lack of parking space and shopping centers have caused part of the decrease. Elliot's, office suppliers, has found business to be way ahead because of advertising. Also, another contributing factor is that the street in front of the store is no longer torn up as it was during the Ponce beautification project. Gift Questers, gift shop, reported that sales have increased as much as 50 per cent. Francis Baynes, owner, said advertising and early shoppers had caused the large increase. Also, he believes that personal serv and better stock are other causes.
HOT SHOPPES America's finest group of family restaurants comes to GREATER MIAMI NOW OPEN FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE
A Christmas present for everyone who enjoys fine food at reasonable prices! HOT SHOPPES America's finest group of family restaurants comes to GREATER MIAMI South Dixie Highway (U.S. Rte. 1) and Bird Road CORAL GABLES NOW OPEN FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE Now, you and your family can enjoy the delights that have made Hot Shoppes the favorite of families in so many other cities throughout the land. The choice steaks, chops and seafoods cooked to your order on the glowing Char-Broiler are the last word in gourmet pefection. Yet Hot Shoppes prices are reasonable — amazingly so. In addition to the wonderful Char-Broiled specialities, each day's menu offers a different variety of other good food...tempting appetizers, delicious entrees, freshly made sandwiches and salads and an array of the most luscious home-made desserts you've ever tasted. The big sheltered drive-in area features Hot Shoppes unique electronic curb service that permits you to remain in your car at all times. And you'll be just as delighted with the wonderful foods on the special Drive-In Menu as you will be with everything about the newest, brightest, friendliest restaurant in town—HOT SHOPPES CHAR-BROILER. See Hot Shoppes Amazing Electronic Curb Service See the Glowing Char-Broiler OPEN FOR REGULAR BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22—11 a.m.-midnight Thereafter, enjoy breakfast, luncheon, dinner, late supper or snacks seven days a week: Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m.-1 a.m.* Sunday: 8 a.m.-midnight* *With the exception of this Saturday and Sunday. So that our Hot Shoppes "family" may spend Christmas at home, closed Christmas Eve at 9 p.m. and all day Christmas. Open again, 7 a.m., Monday, December 26th
YMCA Groups Will Brighten Yule For Needy
The Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y Clubs (YMCA sponsored groups in the Coral Gables area) are working on final programs before the Christmas season. The Dirigimus Hi-Y Club, a group of teenage boys from Coral Gables High School, is planning a Christmas Dance in honor of their alumni. The Tri Hi-Y Club of girls is planning a Christmas Party for needy youngsters. The Rebel Hi-Y Club ended its 1960 year with a program about college fraternities. College fraternity men were invited to discuss the pros and cons of fraternity life on campus. Their objective discussion was planned to be helpful to the boys who will enter college in the next two years. The Gra-Y Clubs, 5th and 6th grade boys' groups, ended their before-Christmas activities with basketball games. The Southwest YMCA sponsors 10 clubs which are located in the Ludlam, Snuset, Coral Gables, South Miami, West Laboratory, David Fairchild, Fairlawn, Pinecrest, Cutler Ridge and Perrine Elementary Schools. These boys have enjoyed a successful season of football and now are in the middle of basketball season. Their activities include such programs as weekend camp in Ft. Lauderdale's Birch State Park, archery, snake lore and softball.
Holiday Fun
Yolanda Glazier, daughter of the John Glazier's, 1412 Tunis St., gave a holiday barbecue bebop for about 24 of her teenage friends Sunday. Yolanda attends Ponce Junior High School.