Shoppers are opting for necessity rather than luxury these days.
From hot tubs to women's shoes, customers are cutting back because of the economy, and stores are feeling the pinch.
"People are cautious, so when it comes to shoe buying or accessories, they've cut back," said Lee Roundtree, the manager of Main & Taylor Shoe Salon in Surrey Center.
Main & Taylor's shoes range from $75 to $350, and handbags can cost as much as $400.
Freddie Jackson, the assistant manager at Jos. A. Bank Clothiers at 383 Highland Ave., said the stock market plays a huge role in his clients' shopping habits. When the market is down, customers are few.
Paper Bag Printing"As a company, we're doing bigger sales now to draw people in," Mr. Jackson said.
Nationally, luxury consumption has been falling since mid-2007, according to Pennsylvania-based Unity Marketing, which puts out a quarterly luxury consumption index.
"Affluent consumers' negative feelings about their economic situation are translating into changes in their shopping behavior," said Pam Danziger, Unity Marketing's president.
Customers at cigar shops are buying cheaper merchandise, said Clayton Smith, the assistant manager at Top Shelf Cigar & Tobacco Shoppe in Evans.
Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet"We saw the same volume of customers, but the average ticket price has dropped by 30 or 40 percent," he said. A premium cigar can cost between $20 to $30.
Spa sales are down 25 percent from last year, said Andy Lucas, the showroom manager at Carefree Pools & Spas on Washington Road in Evans.
Susan's, an upscale women's clothing store at Surrey Center, reports steady business, however.
"Our August (sales) beat last August. September and October are matching last year," owner Susan Lanier said.
She said she has reduced inventory, so she won't have to put as many items on sale.
Services are being affected, too. Clients are stretching their spa visits, said Sandy Maddox, the owner of Aqua Salon & Spa in Evans.
"Where they might have gotten a massage every three to four weeks, they might only get one every five to six weeks," Ms. Maddox said.
Unity Marketing sees a continued
embroidered patches slide in luxury spending going into the holiday shopping season, according to its chief economist, Thomas Bodenberg.
"We see affluent shoppers turning more frequently to mass-market retailers with a high-quality, value-driven image, like Target, as well as to outlet shopping where luxury brands can be had for less," Mr. Bodenberg said.
Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227
or .