HOLIDAY SHOPPING Mahoning Valley retailers expect strong sales this season

Concern about paying off debt has lessened, and economic optimism has grown.
STAFF/WIRE REPORTS
Area retailers say they are optimistic about a prosperous holiday sales season, while hoping that consumers will loosen their wallets a little wider this year.
"We're bullish on this year's Christmas season. Sales are going well with big-screen TVs and high definition sets in particular," said Terry Semach, owner of Semach's Northside Television in Struthers. "People are also choosing practical gifts -- big gifts for the family such as washers, dryers and refrigerators."
"Christmas doesn't make or break us, but we're always hopeful for a good holiday shopping season," Semach said.
A survey by the Consumer Federation of America and the Credit Union National Association reports that more consumers plan to increase their spending during this year's holiday season than last year, because concern about paying off debt has lessened and economic optimism has grown.
When respondents were asked whether they intend to spend more or less during this holiday season than last year's, 17 percent said they planned to spend more, up from 15 percent in the 2003 survey.
Jim Yankush of YM Camera in Boardman said consumers are buying his products.
"We've had pretty steady sales this year, but December is usually like two good months wrapped into one," he noted. "I'm excited about holiday sales with so many people purchasing digital cameras, switching over from analog cameras."
Jewelry is always the perfect Christmas gift, especially for women, according to Gary Lasko of Copploe Diamond Jewelers of Boardman.
"I see the trends already. I think it's looking good this season," Lasko said. "Generally, if it's busy now, which it has been, it will be busy throughout the holidays."
He said that even though women are getting the jewelry and selecting what they want, their husbands and boyfriends are paying for it.
Linda Deckant, owner of Possessions, a women's apparel shop in Boardman, said she doesn't depend on December sales to put her sales over the top for the year.
"My sales numbers have been going up every month this year by 20 to 30 percent over 2003," she said.
Deckant said she is optimistic: Christmas sales or not, she expects to do more than a half-million dollars in business this year thanks to loyal clientele and great employees.
Perfume
Carol Wolfgang from the Fragrance Collection in Boardman said her store is hoping that launching a five-day sale, which started Tuesday and will run through Sunday, will jump-start the official start of the holiday shopping season today.
She said that she has ordered a lot of inventory this year and that advertising is critical to her success.
"Yes, we're staying consistent in our philosophy that those Christmas sales during December help us hit that magic number," he said.