FRIDAY, the Christmas rush will begin with the biggest shopping day of the year. For retailers in Emporia and around the nation, this next month will make or break their year.
Over the next couple of weeks the newspaper will be filled with great gift ideas, and we hope you will visit Emporia’s retailers and give them a chance to earn your business.
We know shoppers are always on the lookout for the best bargains and many people will not hesitate to jump in the car and get on the highway in the quest to save a few dollars.
But one point to consider, factoring in time, cost of fuel, and the possibility of returning an item, the out-of-town trip might not make the best financial sense.
For instance, last week in The Gazette, a reader asked why one store in Emporia had higher prices than the same store in Topeka. The comparison item was the Tickle Me Elmo Chair for $28.97 in Topeka and $34.97 in Emporia. The price difference was $6.
If an Emporia shopper goes to Topeka they probably pay $15 in gas plus $4.50 in tolls for a trip total of nearly $20. Then factor in the additional cost of a return trip if an item needs to be returned. The round trip could cost $40 in the hope of savings $6.
This holiday season we hope people will first explore our community’s businesses to find those perfect holiday gifts. We also want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Only 33 days until Christmas.