Many local businesses are celebrating the end of 2014, with a big day of sales. Customers are flocking to specialty stores to buy party items and decorations. Karen Gabriel is the store manager of 'Party America'. She says their sales increase by 5-10 percent in the days leading up to the New Year's celebration.
"It's a big thing," Gabriel said. "Everybody wants to start anew and maybe do some resolutions. It's big. It's a blast and it's nice to be able to help them out."
Most of their customers are looking for New Year's hats, noisemakers, or kits that have an assortment of items for as many as 100 people. Lauren Pagnotta is from Phoenix, visiting friends in Reno. She says there is a good reason why so many people spend money to celebrate.
"It's that last hurrah for the year," Pagnotta said. "This is just your way to finish out your year, whether it was great or it was not so great. This is your one night to just have a great time and just end it on a high note."
Many people will pop a bottle of bubbly to ring in the new year. Stores like 'Total Wine and More' are reaping the benefits. The last day of the year is also one of the top three busiest days, along with Christmas Eve and the day before the Burning Man Festival. Sparkling wine sales skyrocket on New Year's Eve, selling ten times more than on a typical day.
"It will get the lion's share of the business, today," Rebecca Davidson, Wine Supervisor said. "Elbow to elbow, people grabbing sparkling. We have three staff members that we designate, specifically, to that area to help customers."
Richard and Rebecca Shaw are celebrating their evening in the quiet of their home, with their own bottle of sparkling wine.
"It makes it a special moment for us and we're here by ourselves because the kids are all grown and off doing their own thing," Rebecca Shaw said.
Customers also get a chance for sparkling wine and champagne tasting. Throughout the day, they are serving ten different varieties.
"It's just like a candy store," Richard Shaw said. "There's so many amazing things that I never knew that was in a bottle."
Written by Paul Nelson
