PHOTO BY DANIEL LIPPITT

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Rob Wolk looks at a
seasonal display at
Sundance Shoes.

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oliday lights competing for space with pumpkins
and turkeys may be disconcerting, but for many
shoppers it's become the norm.
The weeks leading up to Chanukah and Christ-
mas spell big money for most local retailers This
year, many are getting a jump start hoping to lure
back customers after last year's glum showing,
one of the weakest holiday shopping seasons in
decades.
Shopping centers like Lincoln Center in Oak
Park and Orchard Mall in West Bloomfield have

The holidays mean big business
for area retailers, no matter their
religious affiliation.

LESLIE JOSEPH SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

been gearing up for this holiday season for months.
From gigantic shimmering Stars of David hang-
ing from the roof beams to hundreds of pounds of
Christmas lights, mall owners and merchants are
working together to create a festive mood — some-

thing they hope will rub off on their customers.
With special promotions such as free gift wrap-
ping, personal shoppers and elaborate giveaways,
store owners know the holidays can be a make or
break proposition.
At Lincoln Center's Radio Shack, manager Bri-
an Beal said holiday sales account for 30 percent
of their yearly business and 50 percent of their
profits.

SHOPPING page 54