Consumers in downtown Sharon will soon find one-stop shopping at The Winner for merchandise that until now has been available at nearby outlet stores.

Patty Iovino, general manager of The Winner, said that by Jan. 1 The Winner Outlet, The Winner Children's Outlet and Winner Collectibles will be closed.

"The main reason (for the closures) is there's so much traffic in the main store," Ms. Iovino said. She said merchandise sold better when it was in the main store.

An example of that is the former Bavarian Village Gift Shop that was housed on the third floor of The Winner. The merchandise was moved to Winner Collectibles at 142 E. State St.

"So many customers go to the third floor and are disappointed it's (the gift shop) not there," Ms. Iovino said. She said many elderly customers can't walk the two extra blocks or don't want to walk after dark.

Some of the larger bronze pieces will remain at Winner Collectibles, and the building will be open by appointment.

"Most people who come from out of town come to the main store," Ms. Iovino said. "They are usually looking for a special occasion, and while they're here they'll take the time to go to other stores. If they're not familiar with downtown, they may not walk up the streets."

Ms. Iovino said the store is also entering into a busy time with prom season just around the corner, so it's a good time to consolidate the stores.

The Herald was unable to contact James E. Winner Jr. to find out if there are plans for the buildings that now house the outlet stores.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at
kgarrett@sharonherald.com