Shoppers enjoying a relaxed experience during Asheville's post-Christmas return rush at Tanger Outlets.
Asheville, North Carolina, is experiencing a lighter than usual post-Christmas shopping rush at the Tanger Outlets this year. The National Retail Federation predicts rising returns and changing shopping habits. Meanwhile, Asheville businesses are navigating recovery from Hurricane Helene, with local artists increasing online sales and initiatives like ‘Love Asheville from Afar’ supporting local goods. The community remains hopeful as the Biltmore Estate prepares to reopen and local leaders commend residents for their patience during the recovery process.
Asheville, North Carolina is bustling with activity as folks make their way to the Tanger Outlets for a post-Christmas return rush. Interestingly, the crowds this year seem to be lighter than usual, making for a more relaxed shopping experience. Could it be that everyone is taking a bit more time to choose the perfect gift? Or maybe, just maybe, people are rethinking what they really want this holiday season.
The National Retail Federation projects that returning items will account for around 17% of all U.S. sales this coming year, which translates to roughly $890 billion. With shopping habits evolving, it’s a trend that seems to be here to stay. Local shopper Angela Guiffrida expressed surprise at the light foot traffic at the outlets this season.
Meanwhile, Asheville is also focused on recovery following the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Helene back in September. The flooding from the storm has significantly impacted local businesses and tourism. While some businesses faced physical damage, many others struggled for weeks due to service disruptions—specifically, they experienced long outages without power and water. In these challenging times, creativity has emerged as local artists and small businesses turn to online platforms to showcase and sell their handcrafted goods.
The River Arts District, which took a hit from the flooding, has launched a dedicated website that allows local artists to sell their creations directly, showcasing the resilience of Asheville’s vibrant art community. In an effort to further support local businesses, a new site called “Love Asheville from Afar” has been set up to promote products made right in the heart of the city.
As the festive season winds down, Chef Katie Button is encouraging visitors to flock to Asheville. The heart of downtown really needs patronage to bounce back and thrive again. Her restaurant La Bodega remains closed, lamentably due to a lack of customer traffic, while at Curate Bar de Tapas, creativity flourishes with unique handmade items being offered, like charming ceramic pigs that help showcase local talent.
As the community seeks to recover, beloved local businesses have adapted by increasing their online presence. For instance, the famous French Broad Chocolate has shifted to online sales for their popular treats, including bonbons and hot chocolate mixes. The Asheville Tea Company offers delightful gifts, like a “Let it Snow” gift box, even amid limited shipping options post-flood.
Local stars like Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn possess a heartwarming spirit, donating a portion of their proceeds from their Asheville Mix Artist Bag to aid local entrepreneurs in rebuilding. Moreover, talented artists from the River Arts District are actively selling their unique creations directly to ensure they continue to thrive despite the challenges faced. Moonlight Makers is particularly noteworthy, producing Asheville-themed items while giving back profits to hurricane relief efforts.
A bright spot for Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, a major tourist attraction, which is set to reopen following the storm’s impact. Local businesses hold out hope for a revelatory return of visitors in the coming months. The city itself has made strides in recovery by lifting the boil water notice that resulted from the flooding, marking a significant milestone for the community.
Community leaders expressed sincere gratitude for the patience shown by residents during the recovery phase. With city teams working tirelessly to restore normal water service, Asheville is ready to embrace a new chapter filled with growth and opportunity. As it heads into the New Year, this charming city is on the path to recovery, rekindling its spirit and welcoming both locals and visitors alike.
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