Oct 22, 2008 11:30 pm US/Eastern
Shoppers Brace For Expensive Holiday Season
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
The Jack-O-lanterns are still on display at the Godiva chocolate store, but already shoppers are thinking about Christmas and the money it will take to get through the holidays.
We found Geoff Mcdonald in the mall. "I wouldn't start Christmas shopping usually by now, but the economy is forcing me to," he said.
The president of the Massachusetts Retailers Association, Jon Hurst, says it's not as bad as people might think. "It's not going to be a gangbuster Christmas. It's not going to be one of those 5 to 10 percent increase years. But I don't think it's going to be a disaster Christmas either."
He says stores are expecting to take a hit in profits, so they may cut back on their overhead spending. That could mean fewer holiday employees, and less inventory on the shelves. "You may have long lines, not great service, and you may not have the greatest selection."
On the plus side, though, Hurst says stores will be fiercely competing for customers. That means more sales, earlier.
At Simon malls, managers have planned a campaign to help bargain hunters. Greeters will direct shoppers to the deals of the day, and shoppers who carpool will get V.I.P. parking. The sale signs are already up.
"They're putting these offers out there," says South Shore Plaza marketing director Vicki Bartkiewicz. "We're doing everything we can to make it so simple and easy for people to find those specials."
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