Holiday shopping

Holiday shoppers were spreading much Christmas cheer last week -- at least according to recent holiday sales figures.

A recent report from the National Retail Federation projected a 3.3 percent increase in holiday sales this year. The organization also estimated that the average shopper planned to spend $689 on gifts this Christmas season and $107.50 on items for themselves.

Local stores confirmed last week this upward trend in holiday sales.

Susan Godorov, vice president of marketing for Centro Properties Group, West Park Mall's management company, said Cape Girardeau's mall is seeing "strong traffic and sales" as are others in their portfolio.

In a year that included plenty of depressing financial news -- including persistently elevated unemployment rates nationwide -- the increase in holiday shopping sales is an encouraging sign.

While holiday shopping sales are important, there are other positive economic indicators in Southeast Missouri to highlight as well. Several major employers announced plans to bring more jobs to our area over the past year. This is especially good news for the more than 7 percent unemployed in Cape Girardeau County looking for gainful means of employment.

A new year brings a renewed hope. Here's to more positive economic news in 2011.