Matt Roy

Independent Newsmedia

With echoes of the Great Recession ringing like distant sleigh bells and visions of summer hurricanes still dancing in their heads, some might expect more doom than boom this year.

But industry experts and local business leaders are brimming with cheer.

Christine Henning, a senior marketing manager for Macerich, which manages the Arrowhead Towne Center mall, said sales expectations are high and a longer shopping season can only help.

“This is looking to be a strong season for holiday shopping overall,” Ms. Henning stated by email. “One fun tidbit is that Christmas falls 32 days after Thanksgiving this year, one more day than last year, and is on a Monday instead of Sunday, which gives shoppers an extra weekend day to complete their shopping.”

The National Retail Federation reiterated her optimism based on its survey of retailers. The industry association announced it expects holiday retail sales to increase between 3.6 and 4 percent for a total of up to $682 billion, an increase of more than $26 billion over last’s $655.8 billion take.

“Our forecast reflects the very realistic steady momentum of the economy and overall strength of the industry,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in an October press release. “Although this year hasn’t been perfect, especially with the recent devastating hurricanes, we believe that a longer shopping season and strong consumer confidence will deliver retailers a strong holiday season.”

International accounting firm Deloitte also pointed to strong consumer confidence as a cause for cheer this year. Their 32nd Annual Holiday Survey sampled 5,085 consumers nationwide to predict spending patterns.

More than 80 percent of respondents described their household financial situation as “the same or better than last year,” up from 63 percent only five years earlier. On average, they plan to spend $430 to purchase 15 gifts this year and will spend another $480 celebrating the season, including holiday entertaining and socializing outside of home.

A mall for all

Ms. Henning suggested the Arrowhead mall will be an ideal destination for West Valley shoppers seeking a festive place to spend their money and their time.

The mall has some new year-round stores this season, including Amerisleep and Color Me Mine, the popular ready-to-paint ceramics studio. Seasonal offerings opening soon include Hickory Farms, Go Calendars! Go Games! And Antler Shed, which features rustic- inspired wall hangings and decorations.

In addition to new stores, shoppers may discover some new amenities at Arrowhead this year, such as the Play Live Nation social gaming lounge, which features highend gaming stations with the latest video games, as well as traditional board and card games.

Those seeking a break from shopping may also gather for fun, games and fa-la-las at the amphitheater, according to Ms. Henning.

“Two sets of new cornhole boards along with a ping pong table are now available in the amphithe-ater,” she stated. “Bags and paddles can be checked out at the concierge desk in the food court.”

The amphitheater sets the stage for cheerful performances by local school and community groups 11 a.m.5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 17.

The Salvation Army offers gift wrapping through Dec. 24 to benefit their Glendale chapter; while their Christmas Angels gift donation program runs through Dec. 20, providing an easy way for shoppers to donate new toys and gifts to deserving local children.

Santa Claus will be available to hear gift wishes and pose for photo ops through Christmas Eve as well, though hours vary.

A complete list of extended holiday hours and events is available at www.arrowheadtownecenter.com.

A Nintendo gaming setup is on display for shoppers during the holiday season on Nov. 15 at Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale. [Jacob Stanek/Independent Newsmedia][/caption]

Shop local

Officials and business leaders in Surprise aim to encourage shoppers to skip the commute and spend their dollars closer to home this year.

Reprising the successful ShopSurprise campaign, which was launched during the Bell Road-Grand Avenue interchange construction project, Surprise officials announced the new campaign in Nov. 14 press release.

Locals may opt in to the text-based program by texting the phrase “ShopSurprise” to 85100 or by visiting www.shopsurpriseaz.com to register online. Participants will receive daily deals from local businesses.

The effort is led by the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses in Surprise, as well as El Mirage, Sun City West, Sun City and Youngtown. The group’s leader, Raoul Sada, says shopping local is more than a convenience and helps funded services in the community.

“This holiday season should be exceptional for businesses this year,” Mr. Sada stated by email. “During this holiday season, it’s important for consumers to think about our community and how there spending habits can make a difference to our local economy. When consumers shop locally, they help local residents who work in the area, and the local taxes that are generated support services like police, fire, and recreational services.”

He said local businesses can use social media to encourage local shoppers to get the goods in person, rather than spending their holiday dollars online.

“We are encouraging local businesses to take advantage of social media and the digital text marking program being offered by the chamber and city of Surprise,” stated Mr. Sada. “ Businesses can leverage their social media presence to make a personal connection with local residents, announcing sales, promotions and events and engaging their customers and followers. This personal connection is something on-line shopping can’t do.”

Editor’s note: Matt Roy can be reached at 623-876-2528 or mroy@newszap.com.