Published Friday, December 27, 2002
Herald Staff Writer
Though the weather outside was frightful, shopping was still delightful for many people the day after Christmas at stores in Hermitage.
"We got a good deal, a dress for our grandchild for 75 percent off," Sue Wolford of Kinsman said of her Thursday morning purchase at Kaufmann's in the Shenango Valley Mall.
She and her husband Ron decided to do some after-Christmas shopping for the first time ever. "No one was working, our grandkids (two who live with them) are in Florida, so grandma and grandpa went shopping," Wolford said.
"We're just looking for bargains," said Betty Brydon of Sharpsville, who was shopping at the mall with her daughter, Darla. Their first stop was the Hickory Farms stand, which had a long line of bargain hunters going after the half-price deals on specialty foods.
"I didn't get a fruit cake this year, and I got one here. I never had one from here before," Mrs. Brydon said.
Her daughter added with a laugh, "I didn't need anything in this (Hickory Farms) bag, but everything was half off."
Spending Christmas money also enticed shoppers to venture out in the 6-inch snow accumulation.
"We have gift certificates that we're using. We're just spending our Christmas money now that everything's 50 percent off," said Chrissy Nay of Greenville.
"People come out in the bad weather more," said Sharon resident Pat Puhl, a clerk at Fashion Bug.
"It's because they're afraid of getting stuck in their homes," another clerk chimed in.
Ms. Puhl added, "People are out buying now. They're just out for the sales. The returns will come Friday and Saturday."
"Definitely deals," Juliet Chapin, shop director of Bath and Body Works, said of why people go shopping the day after the holiday. "It was slower than last year. It got off to a slow start, but by 11:15, we got busy. Some people are also doing late Christmas shopping."
Some shoppers were looking for bargains that can be used for next Christmas.
"We're here to get Christmas paper," said Leann Chalupka of Transfer, who was shopping at Kmart in the Hermitage Towne Plaza. "We have exchanges to do, but we'll wait until the lines go down. Usually here is not too bad, but Wal-Mart is usually crazy. We avoid that place today."
The return lines were long and slow in Kmart Thursday afternoon.
"I think they need a better return system," said Sue Moss of West Middlesex, who was trying to exchange a video game and a DVD for a grandson who got two of each. "I thought it would be less crowded if I waited until later, but no. Hopefully I can find something he likes -- he gave me a list. If not, I'll just give him the money."
But despite some lines, most clerks said shoppers had been fairly friendly and patient.
"I only had one person who was impatient with me, and I don't know why they would be, so early in the morning," said Luvretta Holloway of Farrell, who was working a cash register at Kaufmann's. "Everyone else just seems to be happy spending money. Everyone seems to be taking advantage of the after-Christmas sales -- even the customers with returns."