Holiday shopping

National and statewide forecasts see another dip in holiday sales this year, the second year in a row as the economy moves through a recession. But retailers in the Cape Girardeau area are more optimistic. Some early sales -- holiday merchandise goes on sale earlier than ever -- indicate more spending at the cash register.

Local retailers say they have learned lessons from the recession and are better positioned to draw customers into their stores. This involves better merchandising, better customer service and -- most important of all -- better pricing. Some stores have kicked off their seasonal merchandise sales with heavy discounts.

Customers in area stores appear to be more upbeat this year, some retailers say. Some of these stores say they weathered the holiday shopping season last year in good shape, bucking national trends.

Shoppers in the Cape Girardeau area are fortunate to have such a variety of merchandise to choose from, thanks to the retail hub that exists here.

Another big indicator of this year's holiday sales will come Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving. Many shoppers are already making plans for their visits to stores to take advantage of traditional bargains retailers offer to officially kick off the holiday season.