Holiday sales are up this season

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Despite the sluggish economy, shoppers spent more this season than last.

The big bargains are bringing out holiday shoppers leaving retaliers here in Rhode Island and across the United States pleasantly surprised.

Retailers had a merrier Christmas than last year, as shoppers spent a bit more this season than last.

J.C. Penney in the Warwick mall is counting their blessings.

Brian Fear, the Assistant Manager says, "basically we planned not to do as well as last year, and we were pleasantly surprised. We had great sales."

Nationwide, sales rose more than 3% from November 1st through December 24th compared to the same time last year.

The hottest items this year were electronics, footwear and jewelry, spurred by huge bargains.

"I have been finding 50%, 60% off, real bargains, i am a happy shopper, a real happy shopper."

The shopping season is far from over, this week counts for about 15% of the seasons overall sales with many cashing in gift cars and hitting post holiday sales.

Stocks are on track to close out the year at record highs.

Each of the major indexes are up at least twenty percent or more for the year.