Stores stock up on employees and trendy toys for Christmas

by John Zaremba
News director

Although Monday’s temperatures made it seem more like spring, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas -- especially for retailers.

Area stores have already broken out holiday decorations and prepared themselves for the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally known as the busiest shopping day of the year.

"The merchandise level is at its highest peak -- basically, you just stock up ... and pray for the best," said Sears manager Walt Dow, who works at the chain’s Market Place Mall location. "We beef up holiday help, (and) hired 50 people."

While most University students will be at home sleeping, Dow plans to open the store at 7 a.m. to accommodate the rush of shoppers that he expects.

Just down Neil Street, Toys ‘R’ Us manager Steve Bragorgos was awaiting a new shipment of Furbys, the new interactive toy pet which he said is selling rapidly.

"It’s the most sought-after item," he said, adding that a shipment of 30 Furbys usually sells out in about half an hour. Customers have waited until the store’s closing, he said, to see if employees would restock the shelves. Furbys, which resemble owls, sell for about $30, Bragorgos said. He likened the craze surrounding the new toys to past years’ hot items including Tickle-Me Elmo.

Another trend Bragorgos noted was the popularity of rehashed old favorites put in new packaging. He said Lite Brite is a big hit again and is attractive to budget-conscious shoppers.

"It’s only about $14 ... we’ve sold a lot of these this year for some reason," he said, adding that this year’s other popular toys include Rugrats, Barney and the Star Wars line, which he said always sells well. He is expecting a new figure to be in stores soon to coincide with the new Star Wars trilogy.

To avoid the holiday crowds, Carnelita Carter, her daughter Tabitha and six-year-old granddaughter Aeriyana were browsing the aisles Monday for a toy fingernail-decorating kit.

"I always (shop) kind of early," Carnelita Carter said. "I like to beat the rush."

Although Bragorgos said the Furbys were the top item, Carnelita Carter had a different observation.

"The electronic games have everything under control ... there’s nothing that will take the place of (Sony PlayStation). The kids go berserk," she said. "I picked up the joystick and didn’t have a clue."

One aspect of holiday shopping was a particularly desolate Monday afternoon -- aside from a few toddlers and older children, Santa Claus sat at the mall with only a few companions aside from his helper.

Deborah Kline of Denver, who was in town for the holiday season, chose to take her sons to see Saint Nick a little early this year. When long lines precede a visit with Santa, her sons Whitaker, 8, and Everett, 6, get restless and don’t want to wait until the days just before Christmas to tell Santa their wishes, she said.

"It makes it difficult for Santa to bring them what they want."