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Locals hit malls for holiday shopping
O.C. retailers experienced a strong start but weak ending for some.
By Kristen SchottPublished: December 01, 2008 03:16 PM
Because of dipping consumer confidence, the credit crunch and other economic factors, expectations for Black Friday – and the rest of the holiday weekend – were low. But many stores experienced an uptick in traffic on Friday, as people sought out deals and bargains. Much of the traffic faded throughout Saturday and Sunday, though, when many special sales also ended.
Here's a quick look at how some retailers fared in Orange County:
Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center, both outdoor shopping and dining destinations, experienced full parking lots, long lines in many of the stores – particularly the ones offering high discounts – and brisk sales. Shoppers were generally in a good mood, ready to spend money and time with family and friends, according to Nina Robinson, vice president of communications with The Irvine Co. Retail Properties.
Heavy crowds were seen at Macy's at both centers first thing in the morning, when the department store offered door-buster deals to early arrivals.
Brea Mall experienced heavy traffic, with Friday being the most successful day for retailers. The mall's lounge was a big hit with shoppers, giving them a place to rest their feet and enjoy a cup of coffee or snack in between shopping.
Becker Surfboards in Huntington Beach matched last year's numbers during its annual Thanksgiving sale, which started Friday. Although, it experienced a higher sales volume on the first day, then slowly dwindled by the end of the week. Becker's sale will continue for the time being, as the store pushes holiday specials.
Holly Sharp Boutique in Corona del Mar saw more customers than normal during its sidewalk sale – about 400 people stopped by on Friday. The store's sidewalk sales usually only draw in about 50 extra people. The traffic remained, for the most part, consistent throughout the weekend, dropping a little on Sunday.
Unfortunately, some stores didn't fare so well. Jack's Surfboards in Corona del Mar experienced a slight drop in consumers since last year. And Huntington Surf and Sport in Huntington Beach saw fewer shoppers enter its doors this weekend, although it experienced a slight rise on Saturday.
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Here's a quick look at how some retailers fared in Orange County: Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center, both outdoor shopping and dining destinations, experienced full parking lots, long lines in many of the stores – particularly the ones offering high discounts – and brisk sales. Shoppers were generally in a good mood, ready to spend money and time with family and friends, according to Nina Robinson, vice president of communications with The Irvine Co. Retail Properties. Heavy crowds were seen at Macy's at both centers first thing in the morning, when the department store offered door-buster deals to early arrivals. Brea Mall experienced heavy traffic, with Friday being the most successful day for retailers. The mall's lounge was a big hit with shoppers, giving them a place to rest their feet and enjoy a cup of coffee or snack in between shopping. Becker Surfboards in Huntington Beach matched last year's numbers during its annual Thanksgiving sale, which started Friday. Although, it experienced a higher sales volume on the first day, then slowly dwindled by the end of the week. Becker's sale will continue for the time being, as the store pushes holiday specials. Holly Sharp Boutique in Corona del Mar saw more customers than normal during its sidewalk sale – about 400 people stopped by on Friday. The store's sidewalk sales usually only draw in about 50 extra people. The traffic remained, for the most part, consistent throughout the weekend, dropping a little on Sunday. Unfortunately, some stores didn't fare so well. Jack's Surfboards in Corona del Mar experienced a slight drop in consumers since last year. And Huntington Surf and Sport in Huntington Beach saw fewer shoppers enter its doors this weekend, although it experienced a slight rise on Saturday. |
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