Westfield Mall sees increase in holiday shopping

The economy may still be in a slump, but that doesn't seem to be putting a stop to holiday shoppers at the Westfield Belden Village Mall in Jackson Township.

According to the Consumer Reports Holiday Poll available at ConsumerReports.org, Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday saw record high sales this year. The poll also reported that Americans plan to spend $483 on gifts this holiday season.

The mall was crowded on Thursday morning as shoppers crossed gifts off their lists.

"Our holiday traffic has been good. I think it has to do with extended shopping time due to Thanksgiving being so early this year. The weather has helped us also," said Westfield Mall General Manager Katrina Barton. Nearly every store in the mall was filled with consumers either purchasing gifts or just looking.

"Shoppers have said that they are being more careful this year. Most are sticking to a list or budget and trying to get the best deal. The nice thing about the mall is that you can get everything you want all in one place," said Barton.

The mall is the primary shopping spot in Jackson Township, but that doesn't stop people from all over the area from visiting.

"We get all areas here at the mall. We are so close to the highway and really are the only big mall from here to Columbus, so we see a lot of shoppers from southern Ohio," reported Barton.

The Westfield Belden Village Mall is located at 4230 Belden Village St. Hours are extended during the holiday shopping season. For more information, call 330-494-5490.