While many financial experts say the economy is turning the corner, Many shoppers are still wary about spending money this holiday season. retailers hope this season will be less painful than last year's, which was one of the worst shopping seasons in recent memory.
The music blares and the decorations sparkle here at Southridge Mall, but are people in the holiday spirit to spend their cash?
"Not really. I like to wait until after Thanksgiving," says shopper Kathy Harrington.
While Kathy says she's not in the mood yet, she says she will be come Black Friday. In fact, she plans on spending an extra $500 on Christmas presents this year.
"I think we'll spend a little more. Last year we were hit harder. I wasn't working, didn't have the hours but this year it picked back up for us. We'll spend more than last year."
But Kathy isn't the typical shopper. According to recent Gallop Poll, Americans are predicting they'll spend $638 on presents this holiday season. That's down from a $740 prediction last month, sending this year's estimates down close to last year's record low of $616.
"I'm a little reserved. Maybe the bottom will fall out. There's a little uneasiness about the economy. I feel confident it will come around but really, you never know for sure," says Sandra Peters.
Like 57% of the shoppers who took the Gallop Poll, Sandra says she'll spend about the same as last year. But many nervous consumers are really cutting back.
"The economy brought it to light. Maybe you spend a little too much; don't say no enough and don't make yourself wait," says Jolynda Hayes.
Hayes and her husband have 5 children. They say this year, they'll spend a third of what they did last Christmas.
"We're trying to let the kids know when it's time to cut back you have to cut back. We're trying to teach them a little money management."
Money management, or the true spirit of Christmas. These Iowans say you can't buy the real meaning of the holidays here at the mall.
"Every woman loves a bargain but Christmas is really about spending time with family."
" I cherish the ties that bind more that than what I spend on a credit card."
The main indicator many retailers look at is the percentage of people who say they will spend less. Last year, that was 46% of shoppers. This year, it's 34%, leading many to believe this year won't be as painful as last.
The music blares and the decorations sparkle here at Southridge Mall, but are people in the holiday spirit to spend their cash?
"Not really. I like to wait until after Thanksgiving," says shopper Kathy Harrington.
While Kathy says she's not in the mood yet, she says she will be come Black Friday. In fact, she plans on spending an extra $500 on Christmas presents this year.
"I think we'll spend a little more. Last year we were hit harder. I wasn't working, didn't have the hours but this year it picked back up for us. We'll spend more than last year."
But Kathy isn't the typical shopper. According to recent Gallop Poll, Americans are predicting they'll spend $638 on presents this holiday season. That's down from a $740 prediction last month, sending this year's estimates down close to last year's record low of $616.
"I'm a little reserved. Maybe the bottom will fall out. There's a little uneasiness about the economy. I feel confident it will come around but really, you never know for sure," says Sandra Peters.
Like 57% of the shoppers who took the Gallop Poll, Sandra says she'll spend about the same as last year. But many nervous consumers are really cutting back.
"The economy brought it to light. Maybe you spend a little too much; don't say no enough and don't make yourself wait," says Jolynda Hayes.
Hayes and her husband have 5 children. They say this year, they'll spend a third of what they did last Christmas.
"We're trying to let the kids know when it's time to cut back you have to cut back. We're trying to teach them a little money management."
Money management, or the true spirit of Christmas. These Iowans say you can't buy the real meaning of the holidays here at the mall.
"Every woman loves a bargain but Christmas is really about spending time with family."
" I cherish the ties that bind more that than what I spend on a credit card."
The main indicator many retailers look at is the percentage of people who say they will spend less. Last year, that was 46% of shoppers. This year, it's 34%, leading many to believe this year won't be as painful as last.
