A day of many “happy” returns and people bustling to make it home with their goodies from strategic shopping is what after Christmas sales are all about. Kosciusko businesses were seeing a mixed number of traffic volume on Friday, December 26.
Stores up and down Highway 12 and also around the Historic Court Square were open the day after Christmas offering potential customers deals in hopes of bringing in people and also entice those who came to return those “not quite perfect” items.
Vickie Ellington, owner and operator of Attala Discount Drugs and Gifts, reported that her store’s shelves were empty even before the business day started, “We had such a blowout before Christmas that now we have noting left. We did better this year than last. As a store owner I can’t complain.”
Hudson’s Dirt Cheap on Highway 12 had long lines at their checkouts Friday. Customers filled the store trying to find what bargains they could. Winnifred and Iris Boyd of Durant were shopping in the discount store and mentioned other places they had checked out, “Out at Wal-Mart some of the things you would think would’ve been on sale weren’t like the bath and body…it was only just Christmas items.” Winnifred said after they leave Hudson’s Dirt Cheap “We’re either going to Cato’s or Jackson.”
Leonard’s owner Shaun Blaylock, talked about how “average” their sales day was going, “People just coming back for returns and we have our fall merchandise on sale.”
Mixed sales signals are being read by many retailers both near and far according America’s Research Group. Chairman for the group, C. Britt Beemer, said that a new mantra of consumers is being adopted, “The new consumer mantra for this coming year is: If I don't need it, I won't buy it. America has gone from a consuming society to a planned-buying society. Everything is focused on saving more money.”
The retail industry could be looking at its biggest contraction in 35 years, according to Burt P. Flickinger, III, managing director of consulting firm Strategic Resource Group. He estimates that 160,000 stores will have closed in 2008 and predicts that an additional 200,000 will shutter next year. In March and April of 2009, Flickinger expects 2,000 to 3,000 malls to shutter.
A number of stores struggled just to make it to Christmas. Circuit City Stores filed for bankruptcy protection last month. It plans to keep operating, but KB Toys, which filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this month, has already begun to liquidate all of its stores and will shut down completely.
Nowadays, retailers that hope to bounce back financially from after Christmas sales and regain from the whole year shouldn’t hold high hopes.
The AP contributed to this story.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Matthew Breazeale
Many happy returns for shoppers after Christmas in Kosciusko
- Local News
-
-
Abstinence education discussed
Like all public school districts in Mississippi, the Attala County School Board is in the process of adopting a policy on sex-related education.
-
Supervisors begin initial stages of roadway projects to span four years
The Attala County Board of Supervisors got the ball rolling on State Aid projects for the four-year board term on Monday morning during their regular meeting.
-
County principals rehired for upcoming school year
All five principals employed by the Attala County School District were approved to serve for the upcoming school year on Monday night.
-
Barber out on bond after reduction denied
One man accused in the shooting death of Cedric M. Sharkey, 24, of Sallis, is out on bond, while the other remains behind bars in the Attala County Jail after a preliminary hearing was held on Wednesday, February 1, in Attala County Justice Court.
-
Best Super Bowl ad? Vote for your favorite
Naked M&Ms, an out-of-shape dog on a mission and Clint Eastwood delivering a passionate speech about American adversity -- these are among the favorite commercials that aired during Sunday's Super Bowl.
-
KLE students sing ‘Smoke Free Me’ with Ott
Students from Kosciusko Lower Elementary will soon be hitting the radio airwaves with SmokeFree Mississippi spokesperson and radio/TV personality Paul Ott.
They recorded, along with several students from the Jackson-area, at the SmokeFree Mississippi press conference at the State Capitol on Jan. 25 in Jackson. The song, “Smoke Free Me,” talks of the pitfalls of second-hand smoke and its effects. -
Ware, Barber bound over to grand jury; no reduction in bond
After hearing testimony during a preliminary hearing today, Attala County Justice Court Judge Bob Jordan bound over Frankie Barber and Barry Ware to the grand jury.
-
Sears closing in Kosciusko
The signs in the windows of Sears on Veterans Memorial Drive in Kosciusko read: “Store Closing Sale,” “Entire Store on Sale,” “Nothing Held Back.”
-
No new info in Ellington disappearance
A year has now come and gone since local businesswoman Vickie Ellington has gone missing.
-
Man charged in shooting death on Rone
A weekend shooting has left one dead and another behind bars, according to the Kosciusko Police Department.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Abstinence education discussed
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
