Classifieds Buttons
SearchBanner Adpublished: Saturday, November 28, 2009 
Let the shopping begin By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY christopher.tuffley@newssun.com SEBRING -- While the numbers weren't ready by press time, shoppers were out at the Lakeshore Mall Friday, checking out the discounts and their gift lists to the sounds of Andy Williams singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." It was the perfect song for retailers, for whom November and December typically produce as much as half of their annual sales and profits. This is why the Friday after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday -- it's when the balance books move out of the red. As much as it is a sign of the selling season, however, Black Friday is not the busiest shopping day of the year. That day has always been the Saturday before Christmas. This year experts expect a rise in the number of shoppers overall. The National Retail Federation predicted about 134 million bargain hunters as opposed to last year's 128 million. By 5 a.m. at the Walmart in Sebring every parking place was full, with cars parked on grass swales. Despite the crowd, "Everyone out there wanted to be there. They were having a good time," said one shopper who asked not to be identified because she was shopping for family. "A lot of people were there for the laptops. They sold out by the time I left." About 200 shoppers waited outside K-mart, which, still closed at 5:30 a.m., was late in getting open. Some people were checking out the special deals. Some people came just to experience the energy. Paul Giroux, seated in the mall sipping a cup of coffee, enjoyed himself people watching. "I'm not really a shopper," he said. "I'm looking." A few feet away Cayli Watt, who attends Sebring Middle School, and Jessica Belcher, who goes to Hill-Gustat Middle School, were ready to spend money as they surveyed the selection at the jewelry kiosk, while Carol Mercer and her mother, Estella Mattison, picked out 2010 calendars as gifts. Bath & Body Works was jammed. "We're having a wonderful day," said Linda Mapp, as she was surrounded by customers with questions. By noon, Walmart's parking lot was still busy, but not packed. People kept arriving steadily, however. Clothing and electronics were the items most in demand. Sebring's Historic Circle was not as busy, although there were shoppers out. In Steve & Company, several people were browsing and buying, including two friends, Judy McLaughlin of Sebring and Sharon Depuy from Palm Bay. "I really came to visit my friend," Depuy said, "but I just love this shop." McLaughlin said, "We were laughing last night. Who would get up at 4 a.m. to go shopping?" As Joette Devon wrapped a gift for McLaughlin, Rhonda Barnes, the store's owner, couldn't help smiling. "It's going great," she said.  It's the most wonderful time of the year for the Waltons (by: Rusty Shackleford - 11/30/2009) During one shopping rush at Wal Mart for the kid's school supplies, a patron standing next to me in an overcrowded, undersized aisle asked "Why don't they make more room for us to shop?". My response was, "Because they don't have to, you will still shop here." No, it was not Christmas time, but still proof that the remaining Walton's will still get your money whether you are comfortable about it or not. I believe the biggest holders in the publicly traded company are direct kin of old Sammy himself, and his widow, if she is still above ground. From tampons to tires, rifles to raincoats, pants to paintbrushes, music to marshmallows, even a copy of the NewsSun!!, they will get your money somehow. How do you like those Christmas apples? Oh yes, you can get apples there too while you are picking up flashlight batteries, an iPOD and some vitamins. Feel free to grab as many of those "impulse items" so strategically displayed at checkout as you possibly can after you wrap up your Christmas shopping. Credit cards maxed out? No fear, apply for one of theirs to finish off your financial future for 2010. There are many fools still in debt for Christmas gifts given years ago. This time of year makes credit counselors smile from ear to ear!!! They will patiently await your calls next year, meanwhile, keep the parking lots full and the cash registers rolling, Sammy's kids need your money more than you do apparently. I suggest a nice Christmas meal and save the gift money for bills. Remember those? Bills? Everyone seems to think of December as a "write off", quietly sighing "Oh, I will just worry about it next year". Surprise! Next year comes, and so does that "buyer's remorse." Now please excuse me, I need to go to Wal Mart for some toilet paper and a fishing license. I guess they got me too, the bargains are beckoning. Hope I can find a parking spot. One last thought, Wal Mart only wants to sell censored versions of music, yet twenty feet away, they sell dvd movies filled with profanity, nudity and violence. Pick up some beer, wine and cigarrettes also. They are not against profiting from those vices either.  Small Banner Ads |
RSS News Feed 
Follow Us On Twitter 
News-Sun Facebook Fan Page