Apr 11, 2009

Good Friday turns into good retail dayBy Ben PiperHattiesburgAmerican.com

Shoppers turned out en masse on Good Friday, despite predictions that consumers would spend less on Easter shopping this year.

The National Retail Federation projected Americans would spend an average of about $116 on Easter items compared to $135 last year.

On Friday, shoppers navigated the Easter section at Target, filled with chocolate goodies, colorful baskets and springtime wares. Among them was Kimberly Lenoir, 27, of Sumrall.

Lenoir said her family will spend less this Easter. They are trading traditional Easter baskets full of candy for small gifts for her two children – and hope to save money that way.

“We’re just spending a little less because we don’t do the baskets,” she said. “When it comes to holidays, people are going to spend more, plus the candy and gifts are for the kids, so it’s a fun time.”

Things also were hopping Friday at Turtle Creek Mall.

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