Channel 10 Rewind: Arizona holiday shopping (1980-1985) | Video Vault

The 1980 Christmas shopping season saw many consumers buying less and prioritizing quality due to significantly higher prices, reflecting the dollar’s decreased purchasing power. Despite an initial disaster, a late rush in sales is expected to help retailers match or slightly lag behind the disappointing sales of the previous year.

Crowds filled shopping malls during the 1981 final pre-Christmas weekend, but retailers noted that price-sensitive customers were seeking high quality, leading them to buy basics and gift certificates over big-ticket items. Open markets and low-income areas felt the economic crunch more acutely, with many shoppers holding onto their money due to fears about inflation and job security.

Despite clear concerns about the 1982 economy, crowds of last-minute shoppers appeared to defy the recession, with MetroCenter officials estimating sales improvement in 75% of their stores. Those who had been fortunate enough to keep working were spending more this year, driving high sales of electronic items like home computers and video games.

Despite nationwide caution and inventory cuts due to the 1982 economy, many retailers at the popular Metrocenter are stocking as much or more merchandise than last year. Early shoppers are trying to get ahead of the crowds and ensure they can find popular items like E.T. merchandise before they sell out.

Although the 1983 Christmas shopping rush is still weeks away, retailers are hiring temporary help earlier than usual and with optimistic expectations for increased sales. Job service offices already have numerous temporary holiday positions listed, with some retailers planning to hire 25-30% more staff this year compared to last.

The biggest 1984 holiday seller, the Cabbage Patch doll series, is completely sold out despite a triple increase in inventory, forcing shoppers to look for accessories or alternatives like Care Bears and transforming robots. Other popular gifts include fitness equipment, electronic items like stereo/bilingual TVs, and board games like Trivial Pursuit, which is outselling video games this season.

Maricopa County retailers anticipate a 10% increase in 1985 over the previous year’s record $2.75 billion in December sales, potentially topping the $3 billion mark this Christmas season. Current sales are already at a record pace, driven by popular items like VCRs and other consumer electronics, Art Deco furnishings, Furskins teddy bears, and warm clothing due to the cold snap.

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