Nov 6, 2009 7:07 pm US/Eastern
Retailers Urge Shoppers To Start Early
HANOVER, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Halloween's behind us, Thanksgiving is on the way and Maryland retailers want you to start your holiday shopping now.
CBS
Halloween's behind us, Thanksgiving is on the way and Maryland retailers want you to start your holiday shopping now.
Gigi Barnett reports stores say the sooner the better for their bottom lines.
Thanksgiving is weeks away. Black Friday is too, but the holiday price wars have begun.
In the crosshairs are shoppers looking for the best bargains, and this year November is not too soon to shop.
"It's never too early for Christmas," said Natalie Romero, shopper.
"They get them in the stores in early November. They'll probably get them back in December as well," said Tom Saquella, Md. Retailers Association.
The Maryland Retailers Association is an independent watch group.
Last month, industry groups had originally predicted a one percent drop in sales this year, to a little more than $435 billion.
Saquella says those figures may improve at the last minute.
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The economy is not where we would like it to be, but it is far better than it was a year ago," said Saquella. "I think it's going to be a little bit better than people would have thought a few weeks ago."
One reason is stores are offering new products, and some retailers, like the LEGO store in Arundel Mills Mall, are opening up.
Thom Leech brought his son to the store's grand opening Friday.
"Last night at 11 o'clock, we had to make a special trip," said Leech.
But with so much early shopping, Saquella says Black Friday will still be a big draw because confidence among savvy shoppers is returning.
"People just want to go to see what's out there," said Saquella.
Retailers also believe they will see more shoppers this year because of pent up demand.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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