3 months ago
BUFFALO, NY-- The trees are twinkling at Eastern Hills Mall in Williamsville. Shiny ornaments hang from the ceiling at Target in North Buffalo and the Christmas Shop is bustling at Wal-Mart in Niagara Falls.
In each of these shopping places in different parts of Western New York, the crowds were out in full force. A little early you might say? Here's why; the deals!
"Buy one get one free, buy one get one half off," said Michelle Troconi, of the sales she saw.
"I've seen bigger discounts I think this year," said Linda Palm.
That may be because last year was tough on retailers, so many have already brought on the sales to bring in the people and ultimately bring in the money.
"We're looking forward to them rebounding this year and hopefully looking for a great fourth quarter," Target Manager Ben Gregory said.
"You're going to see all these sale signs even on the carts and kiosks in the mall," said Russell Fulton, Eastern Hills Mall General Manager.
He's right. On Friday night Eastern Hills looked more like an after-Christmas sale event. There were signs in almost every window announcing big discounts. Target had their specials on full display and Wal-Mart had a whole area called their "unbeatable aisles" where stocking stuffers, toys and candy were all marked down.
None of the managers 2 On Your Side interviewed could provide us with hard numbers as to how much of an increase they want to see in sales this year or the difference from last year's sales so far. But Fulton says on average, most of the stores at Eastern Hills are up from last year, but only up in the single digits. And a week before Black Friday, retailers are slashing prices hoping you come back for more.
2 On Your Side spoke with about a dozen shoppers and asked them if they would be spending more or less this holiday season. Their responses really show how uncertain the economy is right now. One woman who was just laid off said she'll spend less, some say more, others say the same. Retailers just have their fingers crossed the parking lots stay full and hope these early bargains continue to bring people in.
If you're still holding out for the Black Friday deals, 2 On Your Side has a whole section devoted to Black Friday 2009 deals on our website.
