(October 13, 2008)--The troubles on Wall Street could lead to a blue Christmas for many area retailers, as many shoppers are more anxious about keeping up with everyday bills.
Halloween is still three weeks away, but as shoppers stock up on costumes and candy retailers are already focusing on the most lucrative season of them all, Christmas.
"More people are shopping during that season, and more people are in the store. So it's very exciting for our team,” Target team leader Colleen Willis said.
“It's exciting for our guests. We're looking forward to it. We're very enthusiastic."
On the other side many shoppers aren't, as the worries on Wall Street have people cinching up their purse strings.
"Well this year I won't be spending as much money than I did last year," Rachel Vaughn said.
That will mean a little less for Vaughn's four grandchildren.
Nation wide holiday sales are projected to increase by only 2.2 percent over last year.
That's a 50-percent drop from the 4.4 increase retailers have enjoyed each year for the past decade.
According to the Texas comptroller's office, sales across Central Texas are also taking a dip, which has lead some stores to get creative with incentives.
"Right now we're running 36 months no interest on most of our televisions $999 and up. Combined purchases in the store, $999 and up get 24 months no interest. So we're trying to drive the economy," Circuit City Store Director Jamie Lamar said.
The new Market Heights complex is brining in more revenue for Harker Heights and retailers hope it will lead to more holiday shoppers.
"We're continuing to do things the way we would,” Willis said. “Just making sure the store is in stock and we have items available for purchase."
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