The National Retail Federation recently released a national survey, which reported U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $682.74 on their holiday shopping this year ” a 3 percent drop from what Americans budgeted in 2008 and a 17 percent drop from 2007. Like the rest of the nation, locals are cutting back their spending during this holiday season in effort to keep a little extra money in their pocket.
Andrew Payne, a Montrose resident, said the price of gas and feeding a family of five has forced him to cut his holiday budget back by several hundred dollars.
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The budget might not be as big, but some residents are being more innovative with their gift ideas this year than in years past.
Sandra McCarty, of Montrose, said instead of a tight budget hurting her holiday season, she’ll use it to her advantage. McCarty said she recently began bargain hunting at thrift stores and garage sales around the Western Slope looking for good gifts. So far, the hunting has turned out well.
“There are so many cool things you can find at a garage sale or a thrift store,” McCarty said. “I’ve found some great things that I would have never thought about buying, because you couldn’t find them at a big department store.”
McCarty said some of the things she has found and purchased include old video game systems, antiques and vinyl records.
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