Retailers hope ‘humbug’ economy doesn’t slow sales

Doorbuster specials will reign again as local retailers and business owners gear up for another holiday season, starting with the infamous Black Friday and continuing through Christmas.

The clock is ticking as one of the busiest and most profitable shopping days of the year draws near. And in a downed economy, locals foresee no major obstacles to spending a little extra this year.

“While some businesses in the Houma area have been hit harder by a downed economy than others, all are looking forward to Black Friday and the rest of the holiday season,” said Lin Kiger, Lafouche Chamber of Commerce president.

Many shoppers are keeping closer reins on their money this year, but those who normally take advantage of the savings that Black Friday offers are getting ready for another early morning extravaganza. The Southland Mall will open its doors at 7 a.m. with Sears and JCPenney opening at 4 a.m.

“Black Friday tends to be the third to fourth strongest shopping day of the year, so there’s a big push to get shoppers in early,” says Dawn Becker, Southland Mall general manager. “And we’re very optimistic… we’ve held our own in the economy when compared to the rest of the nation.”

According to the Louisiana Retailers Association, retailers statewide are expecting a slight increase in sales in 2009 when compared to 2008.

In a press release issued on Nov. 20, the LRA highlighted major factors affecting this year’s shopping frenzy. “Consumers are budget-conscience and careful about spending, and local retailers will not disappoint with planned promotional and holiday sales events.”

The LRA also said that Louisiana retailers would be catering to shoppers this year by planning sales around “…practical, budget-friendly gifts.”

Kiger said that many shoppers are probably wondering how bad the economy could get, but doesn’t think shoppers will be too reluctant to spend extra money this Friday. Instead, Kiger hopes that shoppers will keep their money invested in local retailers and businesses, helping to grow the economy as a whole.

“Even in great economic years, a lot of retailers don’t make money until Black Friday,” says Drake Pothier, Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce president. So this year’s Black Friday will be equally if not more important to local retailers and small business owners.

“Terrebonne has been blessed with low unemployment numbers when compared to the rest of the nation,” commented Pothier. And while some shoppers will remain conservative throughout the holidays, Pothier says that “[others] will still have discretionary spending.

“We just hope it’s enough to meet the demand of retailers.”

When the economy is down “people get to be smarter shoppers,” says Price Hains Jr., owner and operator of Brown’s Jewelry in Morgan City, “…instead of just throwing their money away.”

Local jewelers said that 2009 has been a profitable year, even with a fluctuating economy. “Internet sales have picked up… [and really] this is the best year we’ve ever had,” says Hains.

Hains said also that Brown’s Jewelry will probably see a small spike in sells during Black Friday, but is looking forward to the lucrative month of December. “The two weeks before Christmas is our best time.”

However, along with the rush of shoppers eager to cash in on low prices comes potential danger. Local retailers like Target are implementing strategies to help employees and shoppers cope with the “mayhem.”

Jamie Kurash, executive team leader of human resources at Target in Houma, said they are expecting “…very increased guest traffic.” Target has hired additional employees and implemented crowd control strategies to help avoid confusion and ensure shopper safety.

As the doors open Friday morning, Target customers will receive store maps coupled with directions from team members “…placed at strategic points throughout the store,” says Kurash. The maps will highlight departments as well as hot items like electronics and toys.

Becker said that the Southland Mall will also be “…adding hours” to security staff, depending on the demand from shoppers.

Is it leaking in here?

While major retailers like Walmart have made efforts to curb the release of its Black Friday specials, the Internet has made it near impossible.

Web sites like tgiblackfriday.com – a Delaware-based company that posts Black Friday ads – are ahead of the curve, offering users the chance to browse and download a variety of ads from multiple retailers. “It’s a game every year,” said Kevin Kahn, chief financial officer of tgiblackfriday.com. “[Retailers] say they don’t want their ads posted… but they get leaked onto the Internet… and they can’t stop it.”

Tgiblackfriday.com also has released a Microsoft iPhone application that allows shoppers to access ads showcasing over 8,000 deals on everything from video games to clothing. The application is free and enables users to search items by store or category. (Download the application at http://tgiblackfriday.com.)

Granada Bourg, 55, peruses handbags at the Soufthland Mall. Bourg is one of many local shoppers planning to take advantage of holiday sales starting this Friday. Retailers are expecting large crowds and a boost to the South Louisiana economy. * Photo by MICHAEL DAVIS