Dec 29, 2010

Retailers feeling the rush againBy Phillip LucasDelawareOnline.com

The crowds returned — as did many gifts — to area malls Monday as shoppers flocked with gift cards and unwanted presents, hoping to take advantage of end-of-the-year clearance sales.

An estimated 47 percent of Americans are expected to go shopping this week, experts say, and retailers are making sure the bargains are big and the discounts are deep. Some analysts, noting how Sunday’s storm kept some East Coast shoppers home Sunday and Monday, said the longer severe weather hovers over the region, the deeper in-store discounts may be.

Christy Church of Wilmington left Macy’s at Christiana Mall on Monday afternoon with a new set of earrings and a pair of pajamas she found for more than 75 percent off their retail prices. The snow is no obstacle for shoppers in search of serious bargains, she said.

“They’re really trying to get the customer to come out, and they’re enticing us with the sales,” Church said. “I think it’s a good thing because they want to try to get the inventory out so they can get that spring stuff in.”

Aside from making room for new inventory, retailers also are working strategically to preserve the momentum they gained during the holiday rush.

“I came because they give coupons before Christmas that you can only use after Christmas,” said Kelly Albanese of Elkton, Md., shopping at Christiana Mall.

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