Shopping Spirit Is Still High

SPRING HILL Friday was not the start of the holiday shopping season.
More than 50 percent of American consumers had begun their gift-buying prior to Black Friday. It was a strong indication that retailers across the country can still expect robust sales figures to cap off the otherwise slow year.
That goes for those retailers that sell electronics, movies and other material items that aren't considered necessary, day-to-day products.
Profits won't be as high this season, but the season will help matters - just like with any other year.
"We don't break out sales numbers for Black Friday and we leave the job of making predictions to economists and other fortunetellers," said Circuit City spokesman Jim Babb. "That said, we're always excited about the holidays and we know we sell many of the products that are near the top of the wish list for most Americans ... The holiday season is important to all retailers."
Sixty-two percent of shoppers surveyed by AAA Auto Club South said they expect to spend less this year on holiday gifts compared to last year.

That also means more and more shoppers are expected to take advantage of online deals.

The Internet will influence nearly 34 percent of all holiday purchases, slightly higher than the 30 percent from last year, according to AAA.

"Our expectations are commensurate with the current sales environment," said a spokesman with JCPenney. "(Black Friday) is one of the biggest appointment shopping events of our year. We supported the event with a marketing campaign ... to drive traffic into our stores."

While research shows the day after Thanksgiving is not the busiest shopping day of the season (it usually ranks third or fourth), it is still considered a critical day for retailers. It sets the tone for the final few weeks before Christmas.

Some stores opened before dawn and offered one-day specials for Black Friday shoppers.

Holiday-themed commercials are aired more often and Christmas carols become the most common songs played inside the stores.

The crowds are much larger, too. A 34-year-old employee was trampled to death inside a Wal-Mart on Friday in Long Island.

Local retailers - from the large chains to the smaller, specialty stores - have already noticed a major difference.

The Target store in Spring Hill, for instance, had a line of shoppers stretched from the front door to the Publix located along the same shopping center. The grocery store is located about 150 yards from Target.

"We've seen a little bit of traffic today and we're expecting more in the next few days," said Sally Marucci, co-owner of Marucci's Furniture in Spring Hill.

In addition to furniture, her store sells novelty items and small pieces that compliment a room or house. Marucci sees increases during the busy shopping season, but nothing that approaches Best Buy or Radio Shack. Sales tend to taper off prior to the last week before Christmas.

"People usually have redecorated the living room in time for when grandma and grandpa come into town," she said.