Metropolis retailers exceed holiday goals

There is only two weeks of shopping left before Christmas.

Retailers, like children this time of year, wish for a big bundle this holiday season. What customers purchase over the holidays can account for up to 40-percent of their annual sales.

So far, it seems, this season is bright.

Shopper Sandy Marsh said, "We picked up a Yankee candle for Bob's secret Santa."

At the Metropolis mall in Kendrick County, shoppers take advantage of a sunny Sunday to mark a few things off their holiday lists.

"We're going to get face wash for the boys clothing," says Jennifer Shores.

Retail experts predict a two to four percent increase in holiday sales this year despite a spike in online shopping by as much as 22 percent.

While a surge in internet sales threatened to keep shoppers away from shopping malls at Metropolis retailers report they've met or exceeded holiday goals with two weeks left before Christmas.

Metropolis spokesperson Jennifer Atkinson said, "The sun sure helps but the colder weather isn't keeping anyone away."

This is the first time the Metropolis opened their Santa dome a unique and magical experience for children who line up to see their favorite elf.

"We probably do fifty percent (of shopping) online, 50-percent in stores," said Marsh.

With consumers expected to spend 460-billion dollars this holiday season-it seems retailers can anticipate plenty of green in their stockings.