Higher gas prices actually helping some local stores

By Anastasia Harbuck

Published: June 23, 2008

Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of stories on how higher gas prices are affecting local residents.

Steep gas prices might just be a silver lining for some local merchants.
As gasoline costs continue to climb this summer, many consumers are shopping closer to home and Eufaula stores are reaping the benefits. Marcus Johnston, manager of Eufaula’s Wal-Mart, said he’s seen a definite increase in customer traffic since last summer.
“I have definitely seen customer traffic flow increase,” said Johnston. “They (customers) are not going to drive all the way to Dothan to get what they can buy here.”
In fact, Johnston said customer traffic is up two percent since last summer. Wal-Mart is selling more of the goods shoppers might have driven to Dothan or Columbus to get. Though sells in all general merchandise are up, said Johnston, bedding, automotive items and especially clothing are selling very well.
“Clothing sales have been tremendous,” said Johnston.
Cheryl Desimone, district manager of Cato stores and manager of Cato in Eufaula, has also noticed an increase in customer traffic to her store since last summer. In fact, she said, Eufaula’s Cato is the No. 1 selling Cato store in the district.
“My store has been doing wonderful,” said Desimone. Like Johnston, Desimone is seeing many first time customers to her store.
Eufaula shoppers aren’t just sticking around to buy dry goods. Many are also grabbing the groceries in town. Rick Shirah of IGA Food Depot believes that more shoppers are staying in town. He said sells of staple goods as well as summertime barbecue items are up. And customers couldn’t be happier for not having to leave town - and spend precious gas money - to get it.
“I’d say our customers are happy, laid-back, very satisfied with the prices,” said Shirah.