Shopping poll shows people cutting back
Posted: Nov 23, 2009 5:33 PM
Updated: Nov 24, 2009 11:01 AM
An on-line poll by Montana's News Station shows most Western Montanans will be cutting back, instead of spending more this holiday season.
With the country deep into the recession, and showing only occasional signs of improvement, retailers will be banking on robust holiday season to give them a cushion to make it through the first quarter.
That has some stores being aggressive with the Black Friday specials and offering deals to get a jump on their competition.
Western Montana retailers are no different, with many watching the start of the holiday shopping season closely.
But people participating in a shopping poll at kpax.com are sounding a more pessimistic note. Nearly 64% (63.8%) say "times are tighter than ever," and they plan on cutting back. That's over 400 people out of nearly 700 respondents.
18% are looking for sales to save some money, while 14% say they'll be spending about the same as past years. Only 4% say they might be spending more for gifts and entertainment during this holiday season.
Meanwhile, more retailers are jumping the gun before Black Friday this year to try to jump-start sales.
A spokesperson for GAP says hundreds of Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic stores will open for five hours beginning at noon on Thanksgiving Day.
Toys R Us announced it will open at midnight after the holiday, which is five hours earlier than in the past. The stores will offer special discounts between Midnight and 1:00 a.m.
-Dennis Bragg Reporting from KPAX in Missoula.
