Some retailers are dressing as Santa Claus for Halloween.
With less than three months until Dec. 25, many stores nationally are doing all they can to lure skittish shoppers. Some even are putting together their Christmas displays.
The holiday decorations aren’t going up yet in the Hannibal region, but gift buying is on everyone’s mind.
“The economy will definitely affect my Christmas shopping,” said Greg Kelso of Hannibal. “I’ll spend a lot less. Everything is too expensive. By Christmas, it’ll be even higher.”
From big box stores to mom and pop operations, businesses this holiday season plan to court buyers like never before.
“It’s a very competitive business and we’re trying to make sure we get our fair share, just like we have in the past,” said Rich Hudson, manager of the Hannibal JC Penney. “Everyday, we’re fighting hard to get the best value for our customers.”
“We believe our customers will be looking to stretch their dollars more than ever this holiday season, and our goal is to provide solutions for our customers whenever they decide they are ready to buy,” said Wal-Mart spokeswoman Tara Raddohl.
Judy Bramblett, owner of Big River Train Town in downtown Hannibal, is offering sales and a layaway program as incentives for shoppers.
“It seems to be working,” Bramblett said. “A lot of people say they’re shopping for Christmas.”
Indeed.
Be it because of the economy or due to standard practice, some folks have been marking names off their lists since July.
“Because of the money situation, we do a little at a time,” said Richard Askew of Hannibal, who has been unemployed for a year. “We know what we got to do and that’s what we do.”
Askew’s wife, Judy, works part-time. Even with 10 grandchildren, she said there will be “a lot less Christmas” this year.
“The way things keep going higher, there might not be any Christmas next year,” Judy Askew said.
Gilda Ruthruff of Shelbina has bought a few gifts, but, like many shoppers, is holding back.
“I’m comparing prices and then waiting until the sales go on,” Ruthruff said. “It’ll be a smaller Christmas this year than in the past.”
Beth Sowers of Hannibal is among those who haven’t started yet.
“If I start shopping now, I feel like I’ll buy too much,” Sowers said. “It’s easier to wait until November or December.”
Paul Cervantez of Hannibal plans to start shopping in October. “That way, I can spread it out,” he said.
By tradition, Hannibal resident Joan Ryan is a last-minute Christmas shopper.
“The biggest problem is even thinking about what I want to shop for,” Ryan said. “We’re not a big spender on Christmas.”
“I do it all year ‘round,” said Amy Adrian of Palmyra. “It’s hectic Christmas Eve.”
Even though many retailers have reduced inventory and slimmed down, local businesses look for a good year.
“We know our customers need to have the best prices this season as much as ever, and we’re here to make sure that happens,” Raddohl said.
Bramblett is optimistic because she has at least one advantage over her bigger cousins.
“Trains and Christmas go hand-in-hand,” Bramblett said. “I have appeal from 3-year-olds to 80-year-olds.”
|
|
|
Some retailers are dressing as Santa Claus for Halloween.
With less than three months until Dec. 25, many stores nationally are doing all they can to lure skittish shoppers. Some even are putting together their Christmas displays.
The holiday decorations aren’t going up yet in the Hannibal region, but gift buying is on everyone’s mind.
“The economy will definitely affect my Christmas shopping,” said Greg Kelso of Hannibal. “I’ll spend a lot less. Everything is too expensive. By Christmas, it’ll be even higher.”
From big box stores to mom and pop operations, businesses this holiday season plan to court buyers like never before.
“It’s a very competitive business and we’re trying to make sure we get our fair share, just like we have in the past,” said Rich Hudson, manager of the Hannibal JC Penney. “Everyday, we’re fighting hard to get the best value for our customers.”
“We believe our customers will be looking to stretch their dollars more than ever this holiday season, and our goal is to provide solutions for our customers whenever they decide they are ready to buy,” said Wal-Mart spokeswoman Tara Raddohl.
Judy Bramblett, owner of Big River Train Town in downtown Hannibal, is offering sales and a layaway program as incentives for shoppers.
“It seems to be working,” Bramblett said. “A lot of people say they’re shopping for Christmas.”
Indeed.
Be it because of the economy or due to standard practice, some folks have been marking names off their lists since July.
“Because of the money situation, we do a little at a time,” said Richard Askew of Hannibal, who has been unemployed for a year. “We know what we got to do and that’s what we do.”
Askew’s wife, Judy, works part-time. Even with 10 grandchildren, she said there will be “a lot less Christmas” this year.
“The way things keep going higher, there might not be any Christmas next year,” Judy Askew said.
Gilda Ruthruff of Shelbina has bought a few gifts, but, like many shoppers, is holding back.
“I’m comparing prices and then waiting until the sales go on,” Ruthruff said. “It’ll be a smaller Christmas this year than in the past.”
Beth Sowers of Hannibal is among those who haven’t started yet.
“If I start shopping now, I feel like I’ll buy too much,” Sowers said. “It’s easier to wait until November or December.”
Paul Cervantez of Hannibal plans to start shopping in October. “That way, I can spread it out,” he said.
By tradition, Hannibal resident Joan Ryan is a last-minute Christmas shopper.
“The biggest problem is even thinking about what I want to shop for,” Ryan said. “We’re not a big spender on Christmas.”
“I do it all year ‘round,” said Amy Adrian of Palmyra. “It’s hectic Christmas Eve.”
Even though many retailers have reduced inventory and slimmed down, local businesses look for a good year.
“We know our customers need to have the best prices this season as much as ever, and we’re here to make sure that happens,” Raddohl said.
Bramblett is optimistic because she has at least one advantage over her bigger cousins.
“Trains and Christmas go hand-in-hand,” Bramblett said. “I have appeal from 3-year-olds to 80-year-olds.”
