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About Wally
Wally Spiers was born January of 1952, in Wellsville, Mo., in the worst blizzard of the season. His mother was unable to get to the hospital, and he was born in a local doctor's office. He attempted to come out sideways, and has been similarly confused since. He came to the News-Democrat in 1987, and started his column in 1990.
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closeIt's never too early to start worrying about Christmas, especially if you are a retailer depending heavily on the season or the city of Belleville hoping to draw shoppers for the sales tax revenue.
As the Christmas decorations go up on downtown light poles, Belleville also is taking other steps to help market its shops and businesses, Mayor Mark Eckert said. He didn't have exact numbers for this year, but last year, the city spent $37,000, down about $12,000 from 2007, when the city was trying to help merchants affected by the construction for downtown renovations.
"With revenues tighter, we may not be spending quite as much this year but it's close," Eckert said. "Actually we don't have all the bills yet so we don't know."
The city advertises in print on billboards and on the radio but Eckert said it probably won't do any television this year and not as much radio.
"With the economy, we backed off some," he said. "We're doing the traditional media stuff: the insert in the News-Democrat, fliers and brochures. We'll be hitting Scott Air Force Base hard with fliers."
Chuck Blanquart, owner of Blanquart Jewelers, 111 E. Main St., said he is hopeful of a good season.
"I think we've all benefited from the city's efforts, particularly the extra money they've put into advertising," he said.
Mary Fette, owner of Aunt Mary's Parlor, 310 E. Main St., said she is thinking positive.
"I'm hoping the season is going to be great," she said. "I have had a few customers in the last week or 10 days who specifically made the comment that they were going to try to do all their shopping in downtown Belleville."
Fette said the downtown merchants need a good season to make up for several past years where various problems affected spending.
Eckert said there will be special Sunday store hours in December, Santa Claus on the square, the traditional Veteran's Memorial Fountain decorations and the trolley downtown among other promotions to help keep the season festive.
"I think we're creating a holiday atmosphere downtown that people are enjoying," he said.
Have a column idea? Call Wally at 239-2506 or 800-642-3878; or e-mail: wspiers@bnd.com
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