While most businesses had less in profits compared to the 2001 holiday shopping season, merchants said they were encouraged by Los Gatans who made the decision to shop in town.

Margaret Smith, owner of Domus, said she felt "a very strong sense of support from the residents." Despite the stormy weather, Domus was crowded with customers who told her, "We're hearty Los Gatos people. Rain can't keep us away."

In addition to its N. Santa Cruz Avenue location, Bunches has stores in Cornerstone Shopping Center and Santana Row. Bunches owner Roger Copolillo said he received feedback that most people preferred shopping at the downtown Los Gatos store. Even those at Santana Row told Copolillo that they were more loyal to the N. Santa Cruz location.

"I had a good year. People were very supportive of my store this year," said Nuance owner Holly Ilse. While Ilse found that the community was especially supportive of "the mom and pop stores," Ilse said that what worked in her favor was her stock of "moderately priced clothes" and holiday-themed merchandise.

Ilse acknowledged that customers also sought Nuance out because of her role in befriending and taking action on behalf of a mentally disabled resident of the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center who had been molested by a clergyman.

"I have a nice clientele and they become your friends," Ilse said.

Merchants also said the town and Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce helped in boosting sales in December.

"Everyone did all they could do to make this a wonderful season," Smith said. According to Smith, the valet parking program prevented a parking crunch during the holiday season, making it easier for shoppers to come downtown. Smith also said the town's marketing efforts and Chamber of Commerce's carriages rides served to promote Los Gatos stores and lured customers to town.

Greg Stowers, president of the board of the Chamber, added that the Evening Magazine segment on the town was helpful as well. "A lot of the things we were doing were well-received and appreciated," Stowers said.

Despite the efforts of the business and residential community, extenuating circumstances caused sales to come up short in comparison to the previous year.

The shopping season in 2002 was six days shorter than in 2001, which had a very negative impact on businesses, Copolillo said.

Stowers confirmed that while sales varied from store to store, the shortened season affected results across the board.

In addition, the storm prevented shoppers from going to downtown Los Gatos. Bunches was forced to close for a few days. Copolillo said, "I just don't think there's a lot we can do until the weather's real nice."

"It was a terrible shopping season for vendors," Tallman said, because of the storm. Customers preferred shopping inside, at malls.

Overall, merchants had mixed feelings about their sales.

Studio 42 Manager Joel Mitooka said his shop's worst weekend was the storm weekend in mid-December, but Studio 42 was down by 5 percent at most at the end. "Besides that, things were good. Knock on wood that they stay that way," Mitooka said. Studio 42 clients spent their money consistently on items in all price ranges—from small knickknacks to expensive furniture, Mitooka said.

"For the most part, we sold pretty well," Copolillo said. "It's not as good as it could've been, but we watch it as closely as we can." Copolillo said he noticed an unusually high demand for "everything that's red" and more orders for holiday garlands and other custom merchandise. In contrast, Bunches in the past has had to reorder Christmas stockings and tree ornaments, but those items did not sell as well in 2002.

"Domus was not where it wanted to be," Smith acknowledged. "It was a holiday season that was like no other" the town had seen in more than 30 years.

Smith said, however, that shoppers were more relaxed and not "frantic to spend," since they had less money to spend. As a result, customers were more considerate about their purchases and seemed to enjoy themselves more.

"Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and we're looking forward to 2003," Smith said.

Antiquarium owners Denise Harr and Shirley Henderson said their store experienced its worst December in its more than 30 years in town. "We've done better since the holiday's over," Harr said.

Harr said the message that must continue to be sent to the community is to keep shopping in Los Gatos in order to maintain the independent businesses.

"If you don't come and buy something from us, don't whine when we're gone," Harr said. "We small businesses can only hold on for so long."

"We just have to get the word out to everyone, to residents, to shop local," Tallman said.