BBB Black Friday Shopping Tips
November 24, 2017
Black Friday has traditionally been the biggest retail shopping day of the year.
Whether in the store or online, the Better Business Bureau serving Northwest Florida offers advice to help you with your holiday shopping:
- Budget your shopping money and stick to it. Avoid impulse buys.
- Look for the details on every sale and understand the specifics.
- Advertising can be tricky; don’t get stuck paying more for an item than you expected.
- Credit card offers from a store will offer a discount on your purchase but may also carry high interest rates.
- Keep all receipts and warranty information for each item purchased.
- Fraudulent charges are easier to fix if you pay with a credit card than a debit card.
- Return policies differ with every store. Make sure you know the conditions for returns and exchanges, including whether restocking fees are charged.
- If you purchase a gift card, look for hidden terms that can decrease its value.
- Don’t leave your wallet, credit card or purse on a counter or in an unattended shopping cart.
- Ask for a store manager if any advertised offer does not match the price listed on an item.
- Yelling at store employees and other customers won’t make the lines shorter. Anticipate crowds and take a friend along to enjoy the day.
- Credit cards provide the most protection if someone steals the credit card number or if you don’t receive an ordered item.
- You, the customer, are responsible for knowing and understanding each online retailer’s return/exchange policy.
- Beware of deals that sound too good to be true, especially extremely low priced on hard-to-get items.
- Ensure you have the most recent updates for spam filters, anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewalls installed.
- Read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used.
- Make a file to keep copies of all purchase confirmation web pages and e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.
- Only shop on trustworthy sites; look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks.”
- Never wire money to pay for a transaction and when on sites like Craigslist, only shop locally.
- Delete phishing emails such as those claiming a problem with an order or account in an attempt to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information.
- Actively keep an eye on your credit card statements to detect suspicious or fraudulent activity on your accounts.
- You are your best protection! Make sure your online purchase is secure by looking for the “s” (https://) in the URL and the “lock” symbol in the lower-right corner before paying.
Florida Retailers: Holiday Spending Spree Coming
November 24, 2017
The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating its 80th year of representing retailers, has announced it expects holiday sales to increase 3-3.5 percent over last year, thanks to a healthy economy and a number of positive economic indicators.
“This season should be another strong one for our retail members, thanks to a 10 year low unemployment rate, a strong housing market, high consumer confidence and 100 million tourists leaving with more than what they came with,” said FRF President/CEO Scott Shalley. “Due to the increased competition among retailers, consumers should expect great deals and discounts as they enjoy the annual holiday shopping season with friends and family.”
The impact of Hurricane Irma on Floridians played a significant factor in the final forecast number for FRF. The storm caused damage in major population areas in Southwest Florida, South Florida and the Keys and the Jacksonville area. Many residents are still recovering and possibly unable to spend as much on holiday shopping this year. However, the overall strength of Florida’s economy and the resilience of the state’s retail industry will help make up for this potential loss of sales.
“Hurricane Irma hit our state extremely hard, particularly in these areas, and we factored in this impact in our forecast, but we feel the overall strength of our economy and the incredible recovery efforts that have taken place will help lessen the impact on retail sales this holiday season,” said Shalley.
Consumers are expected to spend an average of $967 on gifts, according to FRF’s partners at the National Retail Federation, which is up significantly from 2016’s average of $935 and higher than the previous record of $952 in 2015. This breaks down to $608 spent on gifts for family, friends and co-workers, $218 spent on decorations, flowers and greeting cards, and $141 spent by the shopper on themselves. Total spending is expected to increase to more than $678 billion, up from $655 billion last year thanks in part to the continued growth and spending of Millennials.
Consumer spending accounts for 75 percent of Florida’s gross domestic product totaling $155 billion each year. In particular, the holiday shopping season accounts for 20-40 percent of a retailer’s annual sales and steady year-over-year sales shows increasing economy stability. Florida’s retail industry totals more than 270,000 businesses which employ 2.7 million Floridians, and is responsible for one out of every five jobs.
One continued significant advantage that Florida enjoys over most other states is the influx of more than 100 million tourists, almost all of whom leave the state with more than they brought, bringing even more buying power with them. Surveys consistently list shopping as one of the top activities on the agendas of Florida vacations. And in an effort to attract shoppers of all types, retailers will be offering exclusive incentives, low prices, price-matching options, hot-selling toys and free shipping, which continues to be one of the most popular requested promotions each year.
“Tourism continues to be a powerful influence on the success of Florida’s economy and specifically the retail industry, and 2017 is expected to set a new record on number of tourists which is great news for our members,” said Shalley.
Sunshine State shoppers will load up on the most popular items this year, led by gift cards for the 11th year in a row, followed by clothing and accessories, books, movies or music, electronics, home décor and furnishings and jewelry. The most popular toys this holiday season will include Hatchimals, Toys from the new Star Wars and Justice League movies, Barbies and LEGOS, Nerf toys, and toys from Disney Junior shows.
One piece of advice to shoppers is if you see a good deal on an item early on in your shopping, make sure to buy it then as opposed to waiting and hoping for a better deal. Just as technology has made shoppers smarter and more savvy, it has also allowed retailers to better respond to demand by matching their inventory and not overstocking their merchandise. Speaking of early shopping, 40 percent of shoppers began their holiday shopping before Halloween to help spread out their spending with 29 percent complete by Black Friday.
“Retailers are responding to the demand by consumers to have the holiday shopping experience prior to the traditional late November/December timeframe,” said Shalley. “This is why consumers are already seeing holiday decorations and themes in stores, as retailers try to get shoppers in the Christmas shopping mindset earlier.”
One of the positive impacts of the holiday shopping season is the increase in employment. These jobs include workers stocking inventory, customer service, warehousing and even management. Nationally, the industry is expected to see between 500,000-555,000 seasonal jobs. The increase in hiring and the increase in economic activity during the holiday season have a positive impact on industries outside of just retail.
“The holiday season is a great time for new or returning professionals to enter the workforce as millions of temporary jobs turn into full-time jobs once the holiday shopping season is over,” said Shalley. “We look forward to the thousands of new jobs that families will have this year as a result of Florida’s retail industry.”
Cantonment Rotary Provides Thanksgiving Meals For 545 Local Residents
November 23, 2017
Over 100 local families will enjoy Thanksgiving thanks to the efforts of the Cantonment Rotary Club.
This was the sixth year the group has delivered turkeys and all the fixings to those in need. The first year, the Rotatians delivered meals to four families, and last year that number was up to 45 families. Wednesday, the Cantonment Rotary club delivered meals to 115 families, a total of 545 people.
The needy family were identified with the help of counselors and the administration at Jim Allen Elementary, McArthur Elementary, Pine Meadow Elementary, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary, Ransom Middle and Tate High School.
“I cannot stress how helpful these schools are. All of the schools are full of kind-hearted folks who appreciate what we are doing for their families that they know need the help,” Cantonment Rotary members Kevin Howell said.
Pictured top: A member of the Cantonment Rotary Club delivers one of 115 meals Wednesday. Pictured below: Rotarians box the meals for delivery at the Scenic Hills Country Club. Photos courtesy Eric Dupre/WEAR TV for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Camp Fire Century Presents Thanksgiving Play (With Photo Gallery)
November 23, 2017
The Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center held their annual Thanksgiving Play last week.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery of the cutest Pilgrims and Indians around, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
College Student Gets Prison For DUI
November 23, 2017
William Joseph Shoffner of Newport, Arkansas, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Jan Shackelford to serve 7 years in state prison followed by 5 years of probation for DUI Manslaughter. Four years are to be served as a mandatory minimum sentence.
William Shoffner, a 21-year- old college student from Arkansas, traveled to Perdido Beach for spring break. On March 20th, 2016, while operating a 2015 Honda Civic, Shoffner caused a head-on collision on the Theo Baars Bridge between Pensacola and Perdido Key by drifting into the opposite lane. The driver of the vehicle Shoffner struck died on scene. William Shoffner received grave injuries in the crash. Shoffner had a blood alcohol level of .177 g/100 mL, more than twice the legal limit.
William Shoffner accepted responsibility by pleading to the charge of DUI Manslaughter.
Shoffner’s defense attorney, Gregory Whibbs, argued Shoffner was a young man who had no prior record, no prior history of driving under the influence, or any risk of reoffending due to the severe consequences of the crash. William Shoffner will endure compromised health for the rest of his life. During the hearing, William Shoffner offered a tearful apology to the widowed spouse and family of the deceased victim.
Shackelford, in balancing the mitigating circumstances of William Shoffner’s offense with the loss of life resulting from his actions, sentenced him to seven years in prison and five years of probation as punishment for the crime. Shackelford said that these consequences for driving under the influence should serve as a warning to the community.
Miracle League Holds Annual Turkey Fry
November 23, 2017
The Miracle League of Pensacola held their annual turkey fry fundraiser Wednesday at their park on East Nine Mile Road.
Volunteers with the Miracle League spent their day frying turkeys for a minimum donation, with all of the proceeds going to benefit the Miracle League.
The Miracle League provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can hit, run, and catch on a baseball field – just like other kids. MLP offers a unique and memorable opportunity these children would not otherwise have. It is a place where every player plays, every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores, and every player wins – every inning.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Jail Staff Delivers Thanksgiving Food For Families In Need
November 23, 2017
After hearing about empty shelves at a local food bank, Escambia County Jail staff members collected Thanksgiving turkeys and other food items for families in need, delivering the items Wednesday to the Epps Christian Center.
Jail staff collected nine boxes of food and seven turkeys for the center, which will be distributed to local homeless and families in need.
Escambia County Jail Lt. Jason Walker, who helped coordinate the food drive along with other jail command staff, said he’s glad to be able to help people in the community this Thanksgiving.
“We wanted to let the community know that the staff working inside the Escambia County Jail care about their fellow man,” Walker said. “We are a diverse group of employees here, and we care about the community as a whole. Seeing that there was a need close by, we wanted to assist with that need.”
Epps Christian Center’s food pantry gives out hundreds of pounds of food each month to the poor and homeless, along with offering free Thanksgiving and Christmas meals annually.
“The staff at the jail did a great job organizing the food drive,” Escambia County Corrections Director Tammy Jarvis said. “The holiday season is an especially difficult time for those in need, and it meant a lot to the staff at the jail to help make the holiday more enjoyable by donating food items to the Epps Christian Center.”
Gas Prices Down Slightly For The Thanksgiving Travel Weekend
November 23, 2017
About 2.3 million Floridians are expected to hit the road during the Thanksgiving holiday period, and gas prices are on the decline.
After holding steady for nine days, the national gas price average is slowly declining at the start of the Thanksgiving week. At $2.54, today’s national gas price average is two cents less than one week ago and 40 cents more than a year ago. However, the more expensive year-over-year pump price is not stopping Americans from hitting the road for holiday travel.
“Nearly 46 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles away from their home by car this holiday. Many will be thankful to see gas prices trending cheaper in cities across the country,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Since 2014, the national gas price average has dropped one to five cents heading into the Thanksgiving week.”
Three months following Hurricane Harvey, gas prices in the South and Southeast are again among the cheapest in the country; Florida saw prices decrease four cents with a gallon of regular unleaded averaging $2.47. That’s still significantly higher than a year ago at $2.09.
In Escambia County, the average price gallon was $2.38 on Wednesday, down from $2.45 a week ago.
Pictured: Regular unleaded gas was $2.47 per gallon Wednesday afternoon on Highway 29 in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FHP Reminds Travelers To Buckle Up, Slow Down This Thanksgiving Weekend
November 23, 2017
The Thanksgiving holiday is a peak travel period for families nationwide. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) wants all motorists to Arrive Alive this holiday weekend and is reminding motorists to buckle up before they hit the road. During the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday period, law enforcement agencies statewide worked more than 10,000 crashes. Although only two percent of people involved in crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday were not wearing their seat belts, over 30 percent of those that died in those crashes were not wearing a seat belt.
Thanksgiving produces a high volume of motor vehicle traffic and the FHP will increase its presence from November 22 through 26. All sworn FHP personnel, including Auxiliary and Reserve troopers, will patrol Florida’s high volume roadways during the five-day period.
“The Florida Highway Patrol remains committed to keeping Florida’s highways safe and ensuring motorists and their families Arrive Alive this holiday season,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “It’s imperative to buckle all seatbelts, get plenty of rest before a long trip and allow sufficient time to reach your destination.”
DHSMV wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving and reminds motorists to obey all speed limits and adjust speed accordingly as traffic congestion and weather conditions may require driving more slowly. Motorists should always keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on driving.
The public is encouraged to report impaired or aggressive drivers by dialing *FHP (*347). Also, remember to check traffic conditions before leaving for a trip and allow sufficient time to arrive at your destination safely. For real time traffic conditions and additional travel information, visit: www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic.
Deputies Seeking Child Sexual Abuse Suspect
November 23, 2017
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Bradley Wayne Stoner on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior on a victim 12-16 years old. He is 21-year old white male, about 5-foot 8-inches tall and 175 pounds. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Santa Rosa Crime Stoppers at (850) 437-STOP. Call are anonymous and information that leads to his arrest could earn up to $3,000.