SANDY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - There’s no surprise at Sandy’s Target store as to where Christmas is sitting next to Halloween, but what took retailers off guard was that there were lots of shoppers this past week-end. I thought it would be slowed down after all this information with the bailout and economy but this week-end it was really heavy shopping,’ќ said Carissa George of the Target store in Sandy. And the crowds carried over to the South Towne Mall as well.
We’re starting a little early,’ќ said Jill Chatterley. ‘њWe’re starting to do a little every month instead of waiting until the last month.’ќ South Towne mall officials noticed the upswing in crowds over the week-end. Clearly, there’s still that enthusiasm to shop in the market,’ќ said Natalie Watson, marketing director at South Towne. ‘њPeople still have money to spend.’ќ A local economist and financial advisor said that retailers won’t see a total bust this holiday.
‘њIt’s pretty much looking like its going to be flat for Christmas but there should be some small gains,’ќ said Bruce Lefavi, president of Lefavi Wealth Management. But shoppers are just being a little more careful with their hard-earned dollar, so retailers are gearing up slashing prices and offering big discounts. Things are going to be a little tighter this year than before,’ќ said Phyliss Vogel.
‘њWe’ll just have to go out and find the bargains.’ќ And if you can’t go to the mall, some stores will come to you. At Taylorsville’s Tuesday Morning housewares store, e-mails for shoppers are a must. We already have our holiday merchandise in stock so we have the information and it’s sent to them early via email they have to sign up to receive though,’ќ said Judy Ford of Tuesday Morning. The store offers this advice to consumers: -Shop early, take advantage of sales and discounts.