Surprise takes aim at sales-tax revenues on Black Friday

Surprise officials are hoping holiday shopping money spent on Black Friday - the Friday after Thanksgiving, usually one of the busiest shopping days of the year - will give city revenues a much needed boost.

Surprise launched a "shop local" campaign Tuesday urging residents to buy near home, where sales-tax revenues would go toward needed city services during a tough economy.

"City budgets are under siege because of reduced sales-tax collections, and because the state may reduce state-shared revenues," said city spokesman Ken Lynch.

Shopper turnout Friday, and the extent to which residents heed the city's shop-local campaign, likely will be an effective predictor of how merchants will fare deeper in to the holiday season as Christmas shopping hits its peak.

This much is clear: more consumers expect to cut back on holiday shopping this year as compared with last year.

An annual holiday retail survey conducted by the research firm NPD Group reported that 26 percent of shoppers said they plan to spend less this year. That compares with 18 percent of shoppers who said the same thing in 2007.

In the wake of several big-box retail store closings, such as that of Circuit City and Linens 'n Things, some concerns have surfaced regarding gift cards. The NPD survey showed that 44 percent of shoppers were undecided on buying store gift cards, and that 18 percent said they would not buy cards.

Smaller, independent retailers also are getting competitive this holiday season.

Carlos Aguirre, a Surprise resident and owner of clothing boutique Runway Royalty, 9390 W. Hanna Drive at Westgate City Center in Glendale, said he is trying to capitalize on out-of-town traffic during Arizona Cardinals football games by extending his hours and asking nearby hotels for referrals.

For more information about Surprise's shop local campaign, visit www.surpriseaz.com/shopsurprise.

Surprise and West Valley holiday shopping

Surprise Target, 13731 W. Bell Road

The store will have extended hours, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Dec. 23. The store is closed Nov. 27, but will hold even longer hours on Nov. 28, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Arrowhead Towne Center, 75th Avenue and Bell Road

All stores will be open at 5 a.m. Friday, and a few will open at midnight that morning. Stores opening at midnight: Aeropostale, American Eagle, Buckle, KB Toys, Fossil, Hot Topic, Windsor.

Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue

At 11 a.m. Saturday, the center in Glendale's sports and entertainment district will host a "Sing for Bling" contest. Participants go on stage with a microphone and have their performances broadcast live on the shopping center's 30- by 50-foot big screen televisions. They are also eligible to receive $25 worth of gift cards redeemable at Westgate retailers and restaurants.

Citadelle at Arrowhead Ranch, 59th Avenue and Utopia Road

From 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, the shopping center will feature Santa Claus and local high school choirs. Several of its retailers and restaurants also will be hosting sales or promotions.

Carlton Robinson assembles bikes for companies in preparation for Black Friday.