Some Old Town businesses are hoping Santa will bring them some customers. Shops we talked to say business is at an all time low, and they need holiday shoppers to come out, now more than ever. It's the heart of Albuquerque, with more than 100 local shops and restaurants. But Old Town businesses banking on a big holiday season say this year has been a big bust. "Last year was slow. This year was slower," said Debbie Ball, owner of the Candy Lady. She says her holiday rush usually starts after Balloon Fiesta. But this year her rush didn't hit until last Friday. She says she's never seen business this slow. And, she says what makes it worse is the warm weather. Ball says that since it doesn't 'feel' like Christmas, shoppers aren't coming out. "The fact that we've had such a mild winter makes a big difference," Ball said. And it's not just the Candy Lady. Many of Old Town's prestigious galleries are also struggling. "This is the slowest season ever in my 36 plus years," said Robert Andrews, owner of Andrews Pueblo Pottery. KOB Eyewitness News 4 has learned several shops in Old Town have no choice but to close their doors. "It's definitely having an impact on a lot of the artists in the market," explained Sheldon Harvey. He's a local artist, who's work is sold in Old Town at Andrews Pueblo Pottery. For those businesses who are fighting to stay open, they're wishing for just one thing this Christmas: business.
