Post-Christmas shoppers pack local stores

Denisse Teran watches as JC Penney Men’s Department Supervisor Mae Witmer scans her returned Christmas present and gives her store credit on Tuesday evening at the Rio West Mall. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

GALLUP — Even with Christmas already gone, 'tis still the season for shopping, and local businesses are more than happy that people are still in the mood to spend money.

It was a busy day at the Rio West Mall Tuesday with people lined up throughout the stores to exchange gifts, or take advantage of post-holiday sales.

"We've been busy since the doors opened," said Joseph Chavez, jewelry adviser for Gordon's Jewelers in the mall.

While sales associates throughout the mall said the day was nonstop, it was agreed that it was not as hectic as this past weekend when last-minute holiday shoppers raided the stores.

A number of stores were still hosting post-holiday sales, with several of them enticing shoppers with an extra percentage off sale items. Sales associates noticed that many people exchanging items often end up purchasing additional items.

"This morning it was packed," said May Whitmer, supervisor for the men's department at JC Penney. "Sales are great."

While a number of stores didn't have completed figures for sales, many said that sales were up from last year.

Retail stores such as Pac Sun, Hot Topic, Bealls, and JC Penney weren't the only ones who didn't get a break from the crowds. Stores specializing in electronics had a steady amount of customers taking advantage of holiday sales and spending gift cards.

Local electronic store managers agreed that the most popular selling item this year was IPOD products, digital cameras, and pre-paid cellular phones.

Jewelry was another popular gift this holiday season.

Chavez said about 70 percent of the customers on Tuesday came in with their significant other to exchange their gift, while the rest took advantage of holiday promotions.

Gordon's, Chavez said, has had a 20 percent increase in sales from last year, and since Zales closed two years ago, has ranked number one in sales in the district.

"We pretty much run the jewelry market in town," he said.

Chavez estimates that 80 percent of customers purchase items using a store card.

Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Walgreens, as well as locally owned businesses, such as Ellis Tanner Trading Company had parking lots full of vehicles.

" It's been busier than I thought it'd be," said trader and store owner Ellis Tanner.

Tanner said people are still taking advantage of the holiday sale, with most purchases being jewelry and paintings.

"We broke all records this year," said Tanner.

In past holiday sales, the trading company advertised a 1/3 off sale. This year, the holiday sale was half off store items, which Tanner believes is the reason for the increase in sales.

The company, along with similar merchants will be hosting holiday sales through the end of this year.

And while Whitmer and other retail shop owners expect the holiday season to slow down around January, after the major sales and promotions are over, Ellis Tanner Trading Company and Gordon's expect to stay busy for the next two months.

"It won't slown down till the end of March (after tax season)," said Tanner.

Chavez expects to see many of his same customers return right away for Valentine's Day.

"We're in the business of love," he said