Retailers ready for last minute Christmas buyers
Published 4:49 pm Tuesday, December 23, 2008
If the last few days are any indicator, Christmas Eve will be a busy shopping day in Greenville, say local retailers.
What are the hot ticket items this year?
At The Pineapple downtown, manager Katrina Scofield said initialed items have been selling like hotcakes.
“We’ve had lots and lots of calls and people stopping in for anything initialed this year,” Scofield said.
“Our Troll Bead bracelets and anything jewelry-wise, along with a lot of Christmas items are selling well.”
At Fred’s Discount Store in Gateway Plaza, toys and electronics, the big sellers on Black Friday, continue to attract buyers, said owner-manager Randy Beeson.
“I’ve heard people say they are going to make sure the little ones have a good Christmas, even if Mom and Dad forgo getting gifts for each other,” Beeson said.
“I believe we are going to see tremendous last-minute shopping numbers here. We are in tough times, but I am so proud to say we’ve still had a big increase for the year overall.”
Bill McCrary, manager of the Greenville Wal-Mart Super Center, said tons of shoppers were coming through his doors for those last-minute gift purchases.
“We’ve seen some good sales across the boards, and certainly toys and electronics are big sellers,” McCrary said.
Managers at all of the three stores want to remind shoppers they will closer earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. The Pineapple is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 24; Fred’s, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wal-Mart will close at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.
All will be closed on Christmas Day as well to allow employees time with their families.
Wal-Mart will re-open at 6 a.m. Dec. 26 “and we expect lots of shoppers waiting at the doors,” McCrary said.
Fred’s will be open normal hours on Dec. 26, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and The Pineapple will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday “with lots of great after-Christmas specials,” Scofield said.