Ho, ho, ho | BFN dollars available this weekend

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By ALEXANDRA DAVIS
davis.alexandra@dailygleaner.com

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Some Frederictonians are beating the crowds and heading out early to get started on their holiday shopping.

Local vendors say they have already noticed a number of people shopping in an attempt to fulfil their loved ones' wish lists.

Micah O'Donnell, an employee at the Urban Almanac General Store downtown, said he's noticed more people than usual in the store, especially on weekends.

He said raincoats, Christmas ornaments and Sophie Conran dishes have been the hottest gifts so far this season.

O'Donnell said the store was decked out with holiday decor a few weeks ago. He said the festive atmosphere helps encourage holiday shoppers.

"We've had the Christmas decorations up since Nov. 1, right after Halloween," O'Donnell said. "We're trying to get people in the Christmas spirit."

Across the street at Strange Adventures Comic Bookshop, employee Jason Arnold said many shoppers have already come by with a list in hand, looking for the perfect gift for the comic fans in their lives.

The comic book store makes shopping even easier by offering a Christmas registry. Patrons of the shop can create a wish list of their favourite titles, making it easy for their friends and family members to purchase the right item.

"A lot of people sign up for the registry every year," Arnold said. "It just makes it a lot easier for family members.

"We have so many different titles, it can get confusing."

On Fredericton's north side, Business Fredericton North is offering an incentive to encourage shoppers to support local merchants.

Gift certificates called BFN dollars were introduced last month. This Saturday, BFN dollars will be sold between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. for 80 cents on the dollar.

They will only be available at the Business Fredericton North office at 235 Main St., and only cash will be accepted as payment.

BFN dollars can be used toward purchases at more than 50 northside businesses.

Trina MacDonald, general manager of Business Fredericton North, said she anticipates a positive reaction to the 20 per cent savings being offered.

"We have a limit of $10,000 in BFN dollars that we can sell that day," MacDonald said. "We expect to sell out within the hour. It's really a great deal.

"I've heard of people who are hoping to buy $1,000 in BFN dollars, which would actually save them $200."

Holiday shoppers are just getting started, but after next weekend, she said she thinks people will come out in droves.

"People are just starting to gear up now," she said.

"After the Santa Claus parade and the sale next weekend, I think things will pick up a lot more. That's been the pattern in past years."