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Retail sales slightly down this year
Slowest Christmas season since 2008
Updated: Thursday, 27 Dec 2012, 7:51 AM CST
Published : Wednesday, 26 Dec 2012, 7:59 PM CST
AUSTIN (KXAN) -
Jan Higgens can relate to that. "I spent a lot on gift cards, electronics and online shopping," said Higgins, who was browsing around Zinger.
Ferweda says staying current with sales patterns is part of the business. He has special events on schedule next year and is even pushing more online sales of his own.
Business was slow Wednesday at Zinger Hardware in North Austin, but last week was a different story. Zinger had a busy shopping season over all, but in light of empty shelf space, slightly less sales than last year.
Locally I think there was a decrease," said Michael Ferweda, owner of Zinger. He said he's noticed a shopping pattern shape out over the last few years.
"Retail used to be where people went for social engagement first and then kinda purchase things as a part of that process," said Ferweda, "And now with Amazon and other things online I think a lot of that has shifted to the online purchasing."
"Retail used to be where people went for social engagement first and then kinda purchase things as a part of that process," said Ferweda, "And now with Amazon and other things online I think a lot of that has shifted to the online purchasing."
Jan Higgens can relate to that. "I spent a lot on gift cards, electronics and online shopping," said Higgins, who was browsing around Zinger.
Ferweda says staying current with sales patterns is part of the business. He has special events on schedule next year and is even pushing more online sales of his own.
Meantime, up at Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park, larger numbers of shoppers still buying, although one customer said she's watching her wallet.
"Well because of the economy, that's why," said Maria Arispa. "I'm kind of afraid to spend more money than what I should."
Grace Knafo said people are out taking advantage of after-Christmas sales, but she has her own theory why business wasn't as strong as last year.
"I think the weather outside make people feel like it's not Christmas season you know," said Knafo, "It feels like summer, almost."
Grace Knafo said people are out taking advantage of after-Christmas sales, but she has her own theory why business wasn't as strong as last year.
"I think the weather outside make people feel like it's not Christmas season you know," said Knafo, "It feels like summer, almost."
As another shopping season wraps up, owners say it wasn't a hit, nor a bust. Just time to get ready for what they hope will be a very busy season next year.
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