photo by Marcus Frazier

Kendrick Davis bags groceries at Natchez Market No. 1 Friday afternoon. The Markets, like several other businesses in town, have seen only a few signs of an economic recession.

Local businesses see little sign of recession

By Adam Koob (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Saturday, April 19, 2008

NATCHEZ — In almost a mirror reflection of the nation, the reality of an economic recession is simply a matter of opinion in Natchez.

Some retailers said they’ve seen no signs of trouble, others have begun to feel the crunch.

But the real recession may not be across the board, and retailers opinions may depend a bit on what it is they sell.

Lionel Stepter, manager of Wal-Mart, said business in the store is brisk.

Stepter said he has seen no evidence of a recession.

“I see a lot of positives in the area,” he said.

New casinos, new construction and new local businesses will add to long-term economic security Stepter said.

“We’re making a turn in the right direction,” he said. “Right now we’re growing business.”

And the growing business that Stepter says is helping Wal-Mart is the same business that other local merchants are also counting on.

Darby Short, owner of downtown businesses, Darby’s Gifts and Accessories and D Short Furniture, said she has also not seen evidence of and economic recession in the area.

“I have a good feeling about what’s going on in Natchez,” she said.

In addition to counting on local long-term projects like incoming casinos and Rentech, Short said the economic situation in Natchez will also receive continued support from people moving into Natchez.

“This is a place people want to move into,” she said.

And of the new residents coming to Natchez, Short said some have shown an interest in opening their own businesses in town.

While many local merchants said they have seen no signs of a recession, not everyone agrees.

Charles Zucarro, vice president of Independent Oil and Coal Company, said he believes the area is in a recession.

Zucarro’s family owns several gas stations throughout Natchez.

Zucarro said he believes one of the biggest reasons for decreased consumer spending in the area is because of record high gas prices.

“People are spending less,” he said.

Zucarro said extra money people are spending is often going to gas.

As evidence of that, he said spending inside of his stores on items other than gas has decreased.

Barry Loy, owner of Natchez Markets, said he has not seen a decrease in spending in his stores but has noticed a shift away from more expensive items.

“It’s less ribeyes and more chicken,” he said.

Loy described spending in local markets as “healthy.”

However Loy said even in times of economic recession the grocery business traditionally does not see much change since food is almost always one of the last things families will cut from a budget.