THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 28, 1994 TAG: 9412280402
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEPHANIE STOUGHTON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Companies that sell computers and electronics are counting their blessings this holiday season, but many of those hawking clothes aren't feeling as fortunate.
``Radios, TVs and camcorders - those were really hot items this year,'' said Ruben Farless, manager of the Sears at Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake. ``I don't know what happened with apparel. It started out good and then seemed to fall off.''
Still, retailers appeared to enjoy sweet holiday sales and should see an average 6 percent to 6.5 percent increase in receipts, said Kenneth M. Gassman Jr., a retail analyst with the Richmond brokerage firm Davenport & Co.
Retailers who had an excellent Christmas included those who sell home furnishings, electronics, computers and related products, and jewelry. But apparel merchants, who are expected to be left with bloated inventories, are being forced to mark down their winterwear.
``Our business was pretty good, but wool sweaters, coats and heavier-weight items have been pretty difficult to sell,'' said David Zelinsky, manager of the LaVogue by Seifert's in Norfolk and supervisor of the chain's Virginia stores.
At J.C. Penney in the Chesapeake Square Mall, manager Jack Sundholm said he is offering 40 percent discounts on winter clothing. This time last year he needed to discount prices by only 20 percent to entice shoppers.
``We don't carry inventory over,'' Sundholm said. ``You have to turn it and turn it quick.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
Color photos
WHAT'S HOT
WHAT'S NOT
[For complete graphic, please see microfilm]
by CNB