Tick,Tock... Have Arkansas Shoppers Been Procrastinating?
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: December 11, 2012
Tuesday navigating shopping centers was relatively smooth going, but of course that's expected to change very soon.
As the owner of an outdoor sporting store Jim Frank is welcoming Little Rock's cooler temperatures.
"Right now what we want is cold nasty weather," said Frank.
If he's being totally honest, he said, sales haven't been so hot.
"It's a little pokey right now," Frank said, "I'm not going to sugar coat it. It's a little pokey."
Over at Park Plaza Mall, there's a little more optimism.
Workers there are holding on to a projected 4% increase in spending this holiday season nationwide.
'We expect to be on target with that 4% if not surpass it," said Alicia Easley the mall's Marketing Director.
So why are sales slow going for some business owners like Frank?
"The consumer these days they really procrastinate," he said.
We asked a few to see if that's the case.
"I'm usually waiting till the same day," said Jimbo Hardcastle. "Putting it off to that day."
"I've only bought for myself so far," said Kadi Reid.
While most we spoke to said they've been dragging their feet, we did find one shopper with her eyes on the prize.
"We're trying to get it all done in one day so we can be done with it," said Blair Griffin.
Every year it's suggested not to put off your shopping. Yet every year it happens.
Many stores are extending their hours to accommodate.
" We always have that last minute shopper even that Christmas Eve shopper," said Easley. "That'll wait till the last minute."
"It would be easier for us if they bought earlier because we could predict," said Frank. "But they wait till the last week!"
To try and counter that procrastination, many Arkansas businesses are offering incentives to drum up business.
Those we spoke with said they're using product sampling, gift cards, even cross promotion with other stores to get shoppers in their doors.
Others said they depend on their loyal customers who keep coming back for the small touches that only local businesses offer.
"We can do things the big box stores can't," said Heath Smith owner of Eggshell Kitchen Co. "So we can carefully select the products we sell, we can gift wrap for you, carry them out for you, and help you shop."
As the owner of an outdoor sporting store Jim Frank is welcoming Little Rock's cooler temperatures.
"Right now what we want is cold nasty weather," said Frank.
If he's being totally honest, he said, sales haven't been so hot.
"It's a little pokey right now," Frank said, "I'm not going to sugar coat it. It's a little pokey."
Over at Park Plaza Mall, there's a little more optimism.
Workers there are holding on to a projected 4% increase in spending this holiday season nationwide.
'We expect to be on target with that 4% if not surpass it," said Alicia Easley the mall's Marketing Director.
So why are sales slow going for some business owners like Frank?
"The consumer these days they really procrastinate," he said.
We asked a few to see if that's the case.
"I'm usually waiting till the same day," said Jimbo Hardcastle. "Putting it off to that day."
"I've only bought for myself so far," said Kadi Reid.
While most we spoke to said they've been dragging their feet, we did find one shopper with her eyes on the prize.
"We're trying to get it all done in one day so we can be done with it," said Blair Griffin.
Every year it's suggested not to put off your shopping. Yet every year it happens.
Many stores are extending their hours to accommodate.
" We always have that last minute shopper even that Christmas Eve shopper," said Easley. "That'll wait till the last minute."
"It would be easier for us if they bought earlier because we could predict," said Frank. "But they wait till the last week!"
To try and counter that procrastination, many Arkansas businesses are offering incentives to drum up business.
Those we spoke with said they're using product sampling, gift cards, even cross promotion with other stores to get shoppers in their doors.
Others said they depend on their loyal customers who keep coming back for the small touches that only local businesses offer.
"We can do things the big box stores can't," said Heath Smith owner of Eggshell Kitchen Co. "So we can carefully select the products we sell, we can gift wrap for you, carry them out for you, and help you shop."
