SANTA'S SURPLUS HAS HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Santa's Surplus is back.

The seasonal holiday store has opened in Town Plaza for a second-straight holiday season.

Store manager Linda Kern said the store will be open until a few days after Christmas.

The store, at 2140 William, is one of more than 900 Santa's Surplus stores in the United States. Merchandise consists of holiday decor, gift items, and toys and games for children and adults.

"About 60 percent of our merchandise is toys," said Kern.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Hours will be expanded in December, Kern said.

"The response was really good last year. That's why we're coming back," she said.

Kern explained that the shop carries both name brand toys and off brand items as well.

"We buy from the factories and manufacturers, and sell at wholesale prices," she said. "Since there's no middle man, that helps eliminate some of the costs."

Most of the store's inventory is stock that has been liquidated, overstocked or discontinued items.