Press Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 30, 2010

CONTACT:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, info@maynelymarketing.com

BLACK FRIDAY AND THANKSGIVING WEEKEND A RECORD SETTER IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY

Retailers, lodging properties and ski resorts surpassed goals and some records over Thanksgiving Weekend

North Conway, NH - The mood is merry and bright among retailers, ski resorts, restaurants and lodging businesses in Mt Washington Valley, NH due to a very successful start to the holiday shopping weekend.  Comments from an informal survey by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce indicated that consumer confidence is high given travel and shopping spending in Mt Washington Valley.  A number of businesses ranging from ski resorts and restaurants to lodging and retailers reported record sales on Black Friday and over the Thanksgiving weekend. 

Retailers weighed in with enthusiasm about what's often referred to as the best shopping weekend of the year.  Rob Nadler at Ragged Mountain Equipment shared sales were up 64 percent over last year making it their best Thanksgiving weekend in many years. Nadler noted while Black Friday sales were strong, the following Saturday and Sunday were even better.  "People seemed to be buying what they wanted or needed with less concern about cost," shared Nadler, also noting that the snow helped with ski and snowshoe sales.  Dot Seybold, General Manager of Settlers' Green Outlet Village concurred noting they have referred to the month as "Black November", given strong sales building to the Thanksgiving weekend.  "Our Bring a Friend event held the weekend after Veteran's Day was a record breaker this year," said Seybold. "That weekend, along with Black Friday are the number one or number two day of the year for our tenants", finished Seybold.  Tim Psaledakis of Jewelry by Timothy W. Psaledakis & Friends shared that Wednesday was his strongest day of the weekend. Michael Kline reported that Soyfire Candle has seen results from its work with local non-profits and its focus on community projects while creation of the 7^th unique ski posters by Dianne Mello helped boost sales at the Framed Art Super Store.  Lynda Schuepp from The Penguin Gallery was delighted to report that Thanksgiving weekend 2010 was their best ever, with the average sale 22 percent higher than any other previous year. Schuepp observed the snow brought out the holiday spirit for those shopping in North Conway Village.  Dave Donald, Manager of Tommy Hilfiger weighed in saying the weekend was a success and the midnight shopping event on Black Friday brought customers into the store.

Tom Spaulding, General Manager of Hampton Inn & Suites reported the hotel was up 32 percent in occupancy, representing a substantial improvement over last year. While it was their first year in business after the renovation, innkeepers at the Bernerhof Inn reported the weekend far surpassed their expectations.  Greg Link of Peace With-Inn and Little Chatham Lodge was similarly happy with the occupancy at both properties.  Christopher Diego, Managing Director of Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa said "We had a great Thanksgiving Weekend, with a 42 percent increase in business from the same period in 2009. This set an all-time record for the hotel for Thanksgiving Weekend".  Craig Clemmer, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Omni Mount Washington Resort and Bretton Woods told the Mt Washington Valley Chamber that the hotel served 650 guests and cooked 2500 pounds of turkey for the Thanksgiving Buffet at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel, and revenue was up 4 percent over 2009. "Overall the resort food & beverage revenue was up 10% on Thanksgiving Day versus 2009," shared Clemmer. "Occupancy at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel over the 4 night holiday weekend (Wed-Sat) was at 90 percent, up 10 percent over 2009," finished Clemmer.  Innkeepers at the Wyatt House B&B also commented that their numbers were up over last year, observing the snow added to the holiday spirit.  Jason Robinson of Mt Washington Valley Accommodations shared, "Eastern Slope Inn Resort, Attitash Mountain Village Resort, The Oxen Yoke Inn, and Attitash Marketplace Motel all enjoyed a very busy weekend that was pretty much on course with 2009. We saw an increase in shoppers taking advantage of the Shopping Getaway package and filling their cars with lots of goods from the local shops".

For the first time in a long time, three of Mt Washington Valley's ski resorts were open with skiing and/or new attractions for the weekend.  Both Attitash and Cranmore opened their new Mountain Coaster rides, adding to the excitement of the weekend.  "This was the first weekend we opened for Thanksgiving in eight years and we far exceeded our expectations for business levels," said Kathy Bennett, Marketing Director for Cranmore Resort. "The Mountain Coaster saw thousands of rides in its first full weekend of operation. Lots of skiers showed up to enjoy runs off the summit and season pass sales were brisk," finished Bennett.  "We had an outstanding weekend for the opening of the Nor'Easter Mountain Coaster, with people here well before the scheduled opening time of 10:00am each morning," commented Doug Tulin, Marketing Director at Attitash.  Bretton Woods opened the Monday before Thanksgiving with top to bottom skiing, and Craig Clemmer shared  this year was one of the best openings ever with a 10 percent increase in revenues over the holiday period.

Travelers weren't just shopping and skiing, they were also dining in Mt Washington Valley.  Howard Stanten, owner of the Met Coffee House said their sales were up 11 percent over 2009 for the weekend, and Saturday was a record setter for the Saturday after Black Friday.   Terry O'Brien of the Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub also shared their sales were up on Friday and Saturday, while also noting an increase in larger groups.

Overall, those reporting to the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce's informal survey were enthusiastic and optimistic about a strong start to the holiday shopping and ski season.  With colder temps allowing increased snowmaking and more ski resorts and XC centers to open, Mt Washington Valley Chamber members look toward the holiday season with enthusiasm.

For more information about visiting Mt Washington Valley, go to http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/ for complete vacation planning resources.  To talk to a visitor services representative, call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (1-800-367-3364). 

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