Merchants, shoppers gear up for holidays

Foot traffic in some local retail outlets has fluctuated in the past three months and some merchants are becoming apprehensive about holiday sales. Consumers will be restrained in their spending, increasing retailers' anxiety, according to the National Retail Federation's 2007 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch. "Shoppers will be a little more conservative with their spending as they become more aware of the softness in the economy," said Tracy Mullin, National Retail Federation president and chief executive officer. "It is safe to say that many retailers will be competing on price, causing this holiday season to be very promotional -- a tremendous win for consumers." Chris Omps, manager of Shenk & Title sports store in the Francis Scott Key Mall, said based on fluctuating sales volume in recent months, he's uncertain about holiday sales. "It's been up and down these past few months," Omps said. But Omps said the Frederick store is doing better than other stores in the chain. "We're doing well, but it's not what it's been in the last couple years, for sure," he said. "I think it's going to be OK. We'll still meet our sales goals." Customers have already come through the store looking for gift ideas, Omps said. Others optimistic Bucking the expected trend, Anita Wares isn't worried that consumers are expected to curb their holiday spending. Wares, manager of Spencer's in the Francis Scott Key Mall, said she's confident the appeal of the store's inventory will make for heavy foot traffic. "I'm not going with anything the critics say," she said. Halloween sales were so fantastic I don't see a break for Christmas." Spencer's is renowned for its edgy, humorous, novelty and gag gifts and latest trendy clothing, Wares said. The Frederick location is generating the highest sales among the company's 600 stores, she said. Wares, who was packing up Halloween merchandise for Christmas items Thursday, said Spencer's unusual items have attracted a loyal customer base. "We're one of the businesses that's soaring in the mall," she said. "This is our third season and there's been no decrease. You can't go to many places and get the inventory we sell." Wares said the company began to offer its products online last year for the first time. "This year, it's full blown. For people who don't want to deal with the holiday crowd, that's the option," she said. Early shopping Although the day after Thanksgiving remains the official kickoff for holiday shopping, consumers are out in the stores far earlier looking for holiday gifts, said Phil Rist, vice president of Strategy for BIGresearch. "Retailers that are promoting holiday merchandise are responding to the needs of their shoppers, who are already looking to purchase greeting cards, wrapping paper and a variety of gifts," Rist said. Frederick resident Maria Dean, who began her holiday shopping Thursday, said she expects to spend the same amount of money as last year. "I'm starting early. I have to be done before Thanksgiving before I lose my mind," Dean said. As concerns about the economy become more prevalent, Wal-Mart is well positioned to help customers find value on items for their families and their homes, spokesman Kory Lundberg, said. While the traditional kickoff to the holiday season is Black Friday, most people won't wait to begin bargain hunting, Lundberg said. This year, 40.3 percent of shoppers began holiday shopping before Halloween, he said. To begin enticing customers, Wal-Mart released several big-name products Friday at Black Friday prices, Lundberg said, including, a Sanyo 50 inch Plasma high definition television for $998, an Acer Laptop for $348 and a Toshiba DVD player for $98.87 By Ike Wilson News-Post Staff http://www.fredericknewspost.com