Holiday shopping spree officially starts

Acorn Staff Writer


With last Friday marking the official start of the holiday shopping season, area merchants report steady sales, with the biggest crowds at major mall stores, especially The Oaks, a regional shopping mall in Thousand Oaks.


Both KB Toys and Toys International at The Oaks opened to waiting shoppers at 6 a.m. Friday. KB Toys had at least 150 people waiting to get in on the early bird special sales, according to store manager Steve Cripe.


"It was sheer madness, but worth it if you were willing to stand in line and fight the crowds," said Cripe, who said that employees and customers faced the ordeal with good dispositions. Store workers even passed out candy canes to the shoppers who had to wait in line for up to an hour.


While Internet shopping could hurt some retail stores, Cripe said that it actually helped his store because people who had problems with online shopping in it’s initial phase last year made sure they came into the store to buy the right toys at the right time this year.


Toys International brought in the predawn crowds with a drawing for a free PlayStation 2 at 9 a.m.


"We’ve done well, with steady people all day today," said Linda Smith, manager. "I didn’t think it would be this busy, but I’m really pleased with the turnout," she added.


Brookstone, an unusual gift shop at The Oaks, also reported brisk sales.


"We’re doing excellent. We beat our last year’s figure," said store manager Maryann Neininger, who reported steady sales from the time the mall opened at 9 a.m.


However, smaller, independent stores didn’t fare as well as larger branch stores.


"This day (the Friday after Thanksgiving) is overrated for smaller stores," said Paul Weiss, owner of Native Visions, a Native American gift shop in The Oaks. "We’re doing okay, but we make it up the rest of the month," he said.


Smaller stores at smaller shopping areas also reported slower sales, but many didn’t offer special sales to attract crowds. Although foot traffic was increased at The Commons in Calabasas, sales were slow, merchants said.


"It’s been pretty dead today. We haven’t sold hardly anything since opening," said Nathan Dutton, a salesperson at Gary’s Island, a casual wear clothing store


Stores at The Promenade in Westlake Village fared a bit better.


Mary Lloyd, owner of Hallmark Creations, reported that boxed cards and gifts had been selling well for several weeks. Friday’s sales were steady, but dollar wise were neck-and-neck with last year, she said.


"With the way it’s going, it doesn’t look like it’ll beat last year," said Lloyd.


Kitchenware store, Sur la Table, also had a good day, according to store manager Bill Davis.





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