Stores see better sales figures than last season
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

Local retailers have received an early Christmas present — brisk holiday shopping sales figures.

Shoppers have packed local stores, revving up retail sales this holiday shopping season.

“It’s been great,” Belk at Peachtree Marketplace Manager Jim Tyler said. “It’s been absolutely great. Sales are up over last year.”

Tyler said super bargains have lured shoppers to his store.

“We just have better prices,” he said.

Belk will extend its normal shopping hours until Christmas Eve. The store will close at midnight tonight and Saturday. The store will open at 6 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. on Christmas Eve.

Brisk retail sales have also provided holiday cheer for officials at the local outlet mall.

“Sales and traffic are both up this year compared to last year,” said Leesa Bodden, marketing manager for Prime Outlets — Gaffney. “We are pleased with the overall shopping results and expect to finish the year positive.”

Bodden said shoppers can receive their own Christmas present — a free coupon book at the Guest Service Center while supplies last. The coupon books are normally $5.

Last-minute shoppers can take advantage of extended hours at the mall, which will close at 10 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 6 p.m on Christmas Eve. The mall will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve.

Sales have also been strong at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, manager Scot Bowman said.

Baby Alive and Power Wheels have been the top-selling toys this year. Electronics, including iPods, DVDs and televisions, have been soughtafter gifts.

“We’ve been pleased with our sales,” Bowman said. “I just want to say that I appreciate our associates for how hard they have worked.”