The Selma Times-Journal

Holiday shoppers have been out in full force. Local merchants have reported steady and growing sales.

There has been some concern about shoppers going out of town to do their holiday shopping, but it seems that many locals have elected to keep their money in Dallas County.

“We’ve gotten a lot of support form the local community,” Sherie Leigh Ousley, owner of The Lily Pad at 107 Broad St., said.

Ousley said business “has been very busy” and sales have been good.

“We seem to be a little bit ahead of last year,” she said.

According to Ousley, Lily Pad customers have enjoyed shopping to Christmas music and taking advantage of the complimentary gift wrapping.

Another downtown merchant has experienced growing sales – Butler Truax Jewelers at 121 Broad St.

“We are real pleased,” Jim Truax said. “We had a lot more (customers) this week than we had (this time) last year.”

As some people will get all of their shopping done and cross everything off their list, there will be some who either haven’t found that special gift, or forgot someone on – or off – the list.

“We’re going to be open on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.,” Truax said.

“People who have forgotten some things can come by.”

At the Selma Mall, located at 1391 Highland Ave., it has been hard to find a parking place, but merchants have experienced a little lag in sales.

“Sales are growing,” General Mall Manager Carver Boynton said.

“We are a little behind last year’s (sales), but that happens when Christmas falls on a Monday because people have an extra weekend to shop,”

Boynton doesn’t seem to be swayed by that. Shoppers are still coming in.

“I’m sure we’ll exceed out expectations this weekend,” she said.

The Selma Mall has a new commodity this year – gift cards.

“Gift card (sales) are wonderful,” Boynton said.

We are finding them to be wonderful gift ideas.

We are very excited about that.”

There is a $1 fee for the cards and up to $500 can be put on the cards. Gift cards can be picked up at the mall office before 5 p.m. or if you want a card and can’t make it before the office closes, you can call the office to make arrangements.

“We try to be as accommodating as possible,” Boynton said.

If you have waited until the last minute to get your “good” points up, there is still time to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what you want for Christmas.

You can also have your photo taken with Santa by a professional photographer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday up to Christmas Eve.

“There are new (picture) packages this year,” Boynton said.

As you go about your holiday shopping, as always, merchants want to encourage you to shop Selma.