Plunge at pump might not lift holiday sales: But some shoppers say lower gas prices will help

Dec 01, 2008 (The Wilson Daily Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- JCP | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Area retailers are certainly hoping that the recent drop in gas prices will make holiday shopping all the merrier, but for some area residents, less pressure at the pump isn't necessarily translating to more money spent on gifts.

That's certainly the case for Jim and Joanne Thompson, who were Christmas shopping for their kids on Sunday at J.C. Penney in Wilson Mall. Jim Thompson, who with Joanne was browsing jewelry marked 40 percent off in the store, said they haven't changed their holiday spending plans since gas dipped below $2 a gallon, though he added it was nice to see gas prices down.

"I just would have had more of a headache if they hadn't dropped," Thompson said.

Even with a dramatic drop in the price of gas of more than $2 over the past two months, other economic news, such as higher unemployment and recent layoffs, is still fresh on the mind of shoppers and is helping them keep a tight grip on their wallets.

For example, AAA Carolinas reported that fewer people went out of town for Thanksgiving, and several area residents shopping at Wilson Mall on Sunday said the lower gas prices so far aren't causing them to spend more on holiday shopping either.

Nina Burner and Gina Fernandez, who were also shopping at J.C. Penney Sunday, said they hadn't planned much of a change in their holiday shopping. Fernandez, who said she shops for Christmas ahead of time and usually budgets what she spends, said the recent drop in gas prices probably has more of an impact on traveling during the holidays.

"It probably affects the ability to travel more and see family," Fernandez said.

P.V. Stone and his wife, Cherri, both of Kenly, agreed about holiday shopping. The couple said the gas prices coming down has eased shopping, but it hasn't made them spend more.

Other shoppers, however, say the lower gas prices might get them to put an extra present under the tree.

Melissa Briggs of Stantonsburg, who was glancing at cordless phones at Sears with her 11-year-old son, Dejuan, said she still has a little more shopping to do, and that recent gas prices have made her purse strings happier. She said the prices have maybe affected Christmas spending a little bit.

"I have more money in my pocket," Briggs said.

Anissa Sutton, who was shopping at Radio Shack, said she has definitely noticed more money coming her way for Christmas since gas prices dropped. Sutton said before the recent dip below $2, she was worried she and her family would come up short for Christmas.

"It's making it a whole lot easier on me," Sutton said.

Sue Furman, co-owner of The Hobby Shop, and Gina Lamm, store manager, said they have recently noticed an increase in foot traffic in the mall, which they attributed to more people staying in town to shop.

Roger Johnson of Middlesex, who was just browsing the mall with his granddaughter and family, said the drop in gas prices may have come too late. He said the recently dour economy has already made shopping difficult.

It hurt so bad, he said, that gas prices might have dropped, "but the money's already gone."

avelarde@wilsontimes.com -- 265-7868

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