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Shoppers find sparse shelves in US malls
By Ashley M. Heher |
December 28, 2009, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
STEADY crowds of shoppers returned to malls across the United States on Saturday, rummaging through thinly stocked shelves hunting for deals, next year's Christmas gifts and gifts for themselves.
Retailers made a push to woo gift-card-toting shoppers by slashing prices and advertising special deals - with some stores offering more than 60 percent off clothing like pajamas, sweaters and ties before the afternoon rush.
Diana Mayfield, a 56-year-old business trainer from Jacksonville, Illinois, managed to get two Christmas ornaments for US$6, marked down from US$28. She was out before dawn Saturday while visiting family in Maryland, scouring for next year's Christmas gifts.
"It's 60 percent off original, so that's pretty good," she said while eyeing a rack of sweaters.
Knowing holiday shoppers would likely spend less, stores carefully managed inventory for the season. That meant by Saturday, some store shelves were practically empty.
Retailers were worried about the weather as a strong snow storm swept across portions of the US midsection and rain dampened the mid-Atlantic through New England states.
"I think the big concern on all retailers' mind will be the factor of the weather," said Tom Aiello, a spokesman for Sears and Kmart stores. "But it seems so far, customers have a good resolve to get out. ... You've got a lot of thrifty shoppers out looking for great values."
The week after Christmas is big business for retailers, making up 15 percent of sales last year, according research from ShopperTrak.
Retailers made a push to woo gift-card-toting shoppers by slashing prices and advertising special deals - with some stores offering more than 60 percent off clothing like pajamas, sweaters and ties before the afternoon rush.
Diana Mayfield, a 56-year-old business trainer from Jacksonville, Illinois, managed to get two Christmas ornaments for US$6, marked down from US$28. She was out before dawn Saturday while visiting family in Maryland, scouring for next year's Christmas gifts.
"It's 60 percent off original, so that's pretty good," she said while eyeing a rack of sweaters.
Knowing holiday shoppers would likely spend less, stores carefully managed inventory for the season. That meant by Saturday, some store shelves were practically empty.
Retailers were worried about the weather as a strong snow storm swept across portions of the US midsection and rain dampened the mid-Atlantic through New England states.
"I think the big concern on all retailers' mind will be the factor of the weather," said Tom Aiello, a spokesman for Sears and Kmart stores. "But it seems so far, customers have a good resolve to get out. ... You've got a lot of thrifty shoppers out looking for great values."
The week after Christmas is big business for retailers, making up 15 percent of sales last year, according research from ShopperTrak.
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