Although the National Retail Federation reported that shoppers did not spend

as much money this year compared to last year during Black Friday weekend,

the Lehigh retail sector did okay, leaving many business owners optimistic

of a good holiday season.

A survey produced by the NRF stated that although more people ventured out

the weekend after Thanksgiving to do their holiday shopping, less money was

spent overall during the Black Friday weekend.

A total of 195 million shoppers visited both stores and Web sites during the

three-day Black Friday weekend, compared to a total of 172 million shoppers

flast year. The average money spent per person decreased to $343.31 per

person, compared to a total of $372.57 per person a year ago, according to

NRF.

The most sought-out gift Black Friday weekend was a variety of toys with

32.2 percent of shoppers purchasing that item. The purchase of sporting

goods increased to 12.6 percent, compared to 11.4 percent from last year,

personal care or beauty items also saw an increase in sales with 22.4

percent, compared to 19 percent from last year.

Beall’s Department Store in Lehigh Acres fared well on Black Friday,

matching it sales plan.

Vice President of Advertising and Ecommerce for Beall’s Department Store

Gwen Bennett said the Lehigh store made its plan for Black Friday, which was

a successful day overall.

She explained that the $10 and $20 gifts they had for sale on Black Friday

brought in a lot of the store’s business.

“One of our best sellers was a lighted palm tree, our customers really acted

to that and came in early to purchase that item,” Bennett said.

She explained that the store’s November numbers have trickled over into

December leaving her optimistic that it will be a good holiday season.

“Our December numbers are maintaining that same level and we feel very

good,” she said, adding that she is “optimistic for the holiday sale

season.”

“Based on what we are seeing right now, we are feeling optimistic that we

will achieve our plans which will put us in good hands for our spring sales

transition,” Bennett said.

Bealls will have promotions every weekend from now until Christmas, she

said, adding that all the promotions will be listed on:

www.beallsflorida.com.

Bennett said Beall’s provides its promotions on its Web site so customers

can pre-shop online and create shopping lists to take into the store.

On the other hand, Vicki Culver, the owner of Home For The Holidays, said

Black Friday was just like any other day, due to the customer traffic or

sales not increasing for that particular weekend.

The year-round gift store, located at 3 Homestead Road, North, provides a

variety of things like bath incense, wind chimes, garden decorations and

flags and collectibles.

Culver said she thinks if there was more advertising for the stores in

Lehigh that she would have seen a better turnout during Black Friday

weekend.

“I am hoping that we will do well this holiday season,” she said. “I am

hoping people are going to get tired of this economy and say ‘I want to have

Christmas this year.’ Hopefully, they will say enough is enough and get on

with their lives.”

Culver said from now until Christmas, Santa Claus will be standing outside

waving at the traffic that goes by. She said that Santa Claus will also be

handing out free candy canes to the children, along with pictures for those

who wish to take them.

Home For The Holidays is currently offering a variety of specials for its

customers.

Culver said everything located in the bins outside the store is 50 percent

off and all Christmas items in the store are marked down 20 percent if it is

not already marked down more.

The best special in the store, Culver said, is if a customer spends $35 or

more, he or she will receive a precious moment figurine for $9.95.

The store also offers free gift wrapping, which is a year-round service,

Culver said. She added that individuals who need to ship their Christmas

gifts can do so right there in the store.