Rima Shah
Holiday shopping the week before Christmas has been sluggish locally,
but retailers expect it to be a robust season overall.
Some of the reasons behind the slowdown are online shopping
gaining popularity and most people have already shopped for 80% of
their gifts, said Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles
County Economic Development Corp. Also, figures for gift cards won't
be counted until recipients redeem their presents.
"As gift cards are often not redeemed well into next year, the
real story of Christmas may not be known until March or April of next
year," Kyser said.
This year's sales at the Burbank Town Center are expected to be up
7% from last year, said Brian Gartland, marketing director of the
Burbank Town Center.
The overall business for the weekend in Southern California in
comparison was "good but not great," Kyser said.
The Burbank Town Center on Tuesday appeared empty compared with
the crowds and long lines seen at the Glendale Galleria.
"What we see is that male shoppers increase over the last week,"
Gartland said.
An example of that was Ken Berry of Burbank, who emerged from a
Victoria's Secret store clutching a pink bag. Berry said he always
leaves his shopping to the last minute and plans to spend about $500
in presents.
"I like coming in the morning when it's less crowded," Berry said.
Carlo Alarva of Los Angeles, who works in retail in Orange County,
said he gets only one day off during the holiday season, which
explains his last-minute shopping spree.
Alarva has to shop for about 15 people, with each gift costing
less than $25. The limit can go up to $75 for close family and
friends.
Stores such as Forever 21 are doing well at the mall, Gartland
said. Nationally, higher-end stores such as Nordstrom are doing most
favorably.
