Shoppers search for after-Christmas bargains

VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
YOUNGSTOWN -- The area's day-after-Christmas crowds headed toward shopping complexes, apparently with themselves and value on their minds.
Southern Park Mall in Boardman maintained a steady stream of shoppers as stores opened their doors with deep-discount items and even spring merchandise to kick off the post-holiday shopping. Despite the sales, many stores weren't getting a substantial turnout.
The Eastwood Mall complex looked like any other day throughout the morning and afternoon. There was no shortage of parking, and lines weren't anything to complain about. Some employees milled around at store entrances, watching the people go by.
Many stores didn't have post-Christmas sales in addition to what was marked down before the holiday.
That was the case at Gap, where customers trickled in and out, eventually making their way to sale racks at the back of the store. Store personnel said traffic through Gap hasn't been as congested as in years past.
Good sales: Pre- and post-Christmas sales were better than expected at Old Navy, though.
"We didn't think we'd do half of what we did in sales this year," said store manager Wendy Cerny. "And we're happy returns are down."
The store advertised sales the week before Christmas but didn't slash prices further Wednesday. Cerny said another sale is not expected this week, but perhaps next week.
She called this year's sales phenomenal, considering the entire retail market took a hit in September. In her opinion, the clothing store also did well because it offers something for everyone and because of name recognition.
Elaine Sandberg of Niles wasn't excited about sales this year, saying she went to the mall only to check out discounts at Kaufmann's, the only store she found that advertised post-Christmas coupons.
Sandberg expected the mall to be more crowded and said she thinks consumers have been scared off by the slowing economy and the threat of lost jobs.
Specials: Some stores hoped after-Christmas sales would make up for the slow holiday season. Casual Corner and Petite Sophisticate offered an early-bird special for the first time this year, and almost everything is on sale, according to assistant manager Susan Henderson.
"It's been steady since 7:15," Henderson said as she waited on a constant stream of customers.
Jackie Democko, manager of Casual Corner and Petite Sophisticate, said figures are down slightly from last year.
"There's no way to bring up the retail from Sept. 11," Democko said. "It went soft then. We'll do fine, but it won't make up for that period of time."
Though sales were slow at first this holiday, they picked up over the last two weeks, Democko said. Gazing at the incessant flow of customers in the checkout line, she said she was surprised the store was so busy so early in the morning.
"Everyone got money for Christmas, and they're out buying presents for themselves," Democko mused.
Other stores weren't too deeply hurt by slow holiday buying. In fact, Aeropostale's sales were up this Christmas, according to the clothing store's district manager, Laura Giancola.
"Since Sept. 11, all you hear is that people aren't spending," Giancola said. "They are spending. They're value spending. They want more quantity for the money they're spending."
Looking up at the long line forming behind his register, Rob Leonard, 23, said the store will probably stay busy for the rest of the week.
"It gets pretty crazy during the holidays here," Leonard said.
Assistant manager Samantha Mackall, 25, said spring merchandise is already on the shelves.
"A lot of what they have [to exchange] we don't carry anymore," Mackall said.
Taking advantage: The buyers that headed out the day after Christmas were stocked with gift certificates and Christmas money -- and plans to buy for themselves.
In the line nearly encircling the Hickory Farms kiosk in the Southern Park Mall, Barry Spitler, 40, of Poland struggled with an armload of cheese, crackers, cookies and mints -- presents he is buying for himself.
"Stock up," Spitler said. "This stuff doesn't go bad."
Spitler said he doesn't usually shop after Christmas, but he's out for the bargains this year.
Similarly, Dale and Marcia Close of Beloit said they don't often shop the day after Christmas, but this year they had to go. The couple received a new box springs and mattress for Christmas, and they needed sheets. While they were out, they found good deals on CDs and a calendar for an upcoming birthday.
"There are better sales this year than usual," said Dale, 55.