Local merchants expecting a good holiday season

It seems more and more local people are opening their wallets for the upcoming holiday season. That's despite what economists are predicting. <br><br>Stores all over Tulsa are reporting higher earnings

Thursday, November 15th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

It seems more and more local people are opening their wallets for the upcoming holiday season. That's despite what economists are predicting.

Stores all over Tulsa are reporting higher earnings for last month and they're expecting it to get even better next month. So why is Tulsa immune to the economic naysayers? News on Six reporter Heather Brooker went looking for the answer.

Willie Jones and her daughter are already checking out bargains and looking for deals for the upcoming holiday season. In fact she's already bought a few items for her other daughter. "Computer games, she wants a wolf lamp which Iâ€™ve already found at the mall."

And no matter what she's buying, the point is she's spending money, something economists have been predicting wouldn't happen this holiday season. Nationwide, economists have been predicting dismal sales for the holiday season. But here in Tulsa that's not the case as many stores are reporting that their sales are up. "Our sales have actually been up. So we plan on going into the season with an increase over last year." Mardel store manager Jason Rogers says his product might have something to do with the increase, Bible's, inspirational books and spiritual music.

And stores like Target are also boasting an increase in profits. Store manager, Jason Rogers, says its numbers have doubled for the month of November compared to last year, with no signs of slowing down. Rogers has a theory on why Tulsa seems immune to the predictions. "I think people aren't traveling as much. And they're just staying home and that gives them a little more money to spend locally."

But whatever the reason to shop, Willie Jones says not shopping wasn't an option. "Tradition. Just Christmas tradition and I like to give nice gifts." An idea businesses hope will ring true with other shoppers.