For Alphonso Wright, Christmas really does come in July.
The longtime owner of Player’s Modern Clothing, an upscale Northeastside Indianapolis men’s fashion boutique, said that in the weeks leading up to Indiana Black Expo, he sells more merchandise than during any other season — including Christmas. Even as the recession thins many Americans’ wallets, Wright’s business has increased nearly 35 percent, he said.
With finances tighter than in previous years, shoppers and businesses alike are still bracing for a big week of spending, albeit less than years before, some predict.
“Even with the recession, people just make an exception for Black Expo,” said Wright, 43. “There are so many things going on, and the events themselves don’t cost a whole lot. People just decide that they’ll take out some money and enjoy themselves — just for the weekend.”
Julia Watson, vice president of Indianapolis Downtown Inc., estimates $55 million will be spent at retail businesses and hotels alone during Expo, which got under way on Monday and ends Sunday. About 300,000 are expected to attend events.
A 2006 study conducted by Indiana University found that Expo-goers spend an average of $240 during each Expo, or a total of $72.6 million. Expo officials expect heavier turnouts this year.
Standing in Circle Centre mall with bags in both hands, Alisha Elmore, 20, flashed a smile, excited about the weekend’s Expo events and the new outfit she’ll wear to Sunday’s free Musiq Soulchild and Frankie Beverly concert.
“There isn’t a lot that goes on around here, so when something exciting comes along, that’s the time to step up and step out,” she said, without stating how much she had spent. “Look your best, dress to impress and go show off.”
“The impact (of retail spending) is a very positive one,” said Roland Dorson, CEO of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. “A dollar that comes from outside the region turns over multiple times in the community.”
Mary Rowley, who owns a local tutoring business, VC Rowley and Associates, said she looks at Expo preparation as a professional investment. She spent $75 at Nordstrom’s earlier this week on jewelry and a belt — “accessories to make an old outfit look altogether different,” she said.
“Everyone wants to put their best foot forward. With so many people at Expo, there are job opportunities that will be available, and you want to make that good impression in the first 20 seconds,” she said.
Many local businesses are bracing for the influx of shoppers this weekend.
Courtnie Wadsworth, assistant manager at Aldo Shoes in Circle Centre, said that in the past few days, business at the store has swelled by 30 percent: “Oh my gosh, yes. It’s been crazy.”
Andrews Jewelers Downtown overstocked merchandise, expecting a sales boom to hit this weekend.
“We’ve ordered extra everything: men’s bracelets, chains, pendants,” said sales associate Chuck DeLong.
But few spots have experienced a flood of customers quite like salons and barbershops; after all, said Deon Moore, a stylist at Kenny’s Barbershop, “nothing makes a man feel better than a good haircut.”
The Lafayette Road barbershop’s business has more than doubled, Moore said, so the shop will extend hours well into the evening.
“The door is practically revolving. It’s never-ending. And that was early in the week. I can’t imagine what the weekend’s going to look like,” said Moore, 33.
If men’s haircuts and shaves have kept Kenny’s barbers moving this week, then the stylists at Details Express Salon on Binford Boulevard may as well run marathons.
“Each head takes about two hours, and we had 35 people come in just yesterday,” said Details owner Charla Saloane. “We call this the holiday. When people leave, I say, ‘Happy holiday.’ ”
While extra haircuts may be an affordable luxury, the overall Expo boom isn’t quite what it used to be.
“There was a time that this place was like a grocery store during Expo season — I’d make $30,000 or $40,000 in one day,” said Wright. “There were so many people coming in, I was nervous about making so much money.”
Back at Kenny’s Barbershop, Moore’s co-worker Ironn Anderson wasn’t upset about the extended hours that will likely keep him in the shop all weekend.
“You’ve got a lot of out-of-towners coming in who want to see what this city is about. We’ve got to show off,” said Anderson. “It shows how we can come together as blacks and celebrate what we’ve done here over the years.”
By the numbers
300,000
The number of people expected to attend Indiana Black Expo events through Sunday.
$72.6 million
The amount Expo participants will spend, according to a 2006 study, the most recent estimate available, by Indiana University.
$240
The average amount each Expo-goer will spend.
