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Shoppers huriy to head off Christmas blitz BY PHILIP SITTON ' THE CRIMSON WHITE (l-. ALABAMA) TUSCALOOSA, ALA. (U-WIRE) - It isn’t winter yet, and no reindeer have been spot ted in town for quite some time, but the signs of the changing seasons Eire plain for those who know where to look. From the Rudolph, Harry Potter and Barbie toys to the candy canes found at many local retailers, the first flurries of the Christmas shopping season have made themselves known. And many local shoppers say they’re glad to see the change coming. “I don’t think it’s too early” for retailers to sell Christmas merchandise, said Kelley Steele, a University of Alabama graduate with a degree in business administration. Steele said she is looking forward to sav ing money this holiday season. She said she will take advantage of early sales to find the best products. “Now is a good time to get what you want, before it’s all picked over,” she said. Jennifer Robinson, a sophomore at Shelton State Community College, also said she thought now is a good time to do some holiday shopping. “I always shop for (Christmas), even in the sum mer,” she said. Jeri Ann Gann, another Shelton sophomore, said it’s better to get shopping out of the way now than to wait until later, when last minute buyers come out to pick up last-minute gifts. Last-minute shopping “is too much of a hassle,” she said. “Everyone’s too busy, aiiu iiitsy ic uui ui wiiai ' you need.” Brandon Glover, a freshman % in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama, agreed that late shopping has its drawbacks. r“l don’t think it’s too early [for retailers to sell^ttj Christmas merchandise]. 1 Now is a good time to get what you want, before it’s all picked over.” KELLEY STEELE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA GRADUATE J Vi* “You never know if (what you buy) is re ally what they want,” he said. But, he said, that won’t stop him from doing it. “I’m a procrastinator,” he said, “so I’ll put it off mtil the last minute.” Alex Burrell III, a Wal-Mart shop per, had a differ k ent reason for B looking for 1 ward to the hol iday season. “I’m very A excited,” Bur W rell said. “This is my fa vorite time of year. It’s a good m l»p lime iu neip me peo ple who are without. ” I PHOTO ILLUSTRATION __ . , , , , . . .. w by kathy He said he s looking for HAGEDORN/KRT campus ward to seeing a common sight in the holiday season — charity workers ringing bells to raise funds for needy families. He said he will enjoy do nating. “We’re blessed, but so many people don’t have anything.” Lauren Baum, a University of Alabama sophomore majoring in history and politi cal science, also said she was excited about the upcoming onset of the holiday season. She said she is looking forward to being with her loved ones. “Even if you think you’re an indepen dent college student, it’s still nice to have a season to spend quality time with your family,” she said. Shannon Ainsworth, a sophomore ma joring in consumer affairs, said some of her shopping will be focused on making her feel like she’s back home. “I’m looking for stuff to decorate with,” she said. “It makes you feel more at home.” Not everyone agrees, however, that the Christmas shopping season is right on time. Stewart Abernathy, a student at Walker Elementary School, said he thinks it has started too early. Uno Cambiu Hot Jeans Adriano 0 Diesel Jeans Buffalo Seven Jeans Befsv Johnson Kosiosho BOHCMHnI W€MNJl£S & COLLGCmBIGS, This HOLIDAY SEASON, come experience BOHEMIAN... a space to encounter the uncommon. Hundreds of Great Gift Ideas! Something for Everyone! Sale in Progress 2736 Devine Street • Columbia, SC 29205 * (803) 256-0629 I ^^cGregor's I v r ^B 1 Columbia's Neatest Neighborhood TaOern B Located across from RichlanaMall on Forest Drive Thursday Night G°(den Tie 200} I I <tn nr ■ t Darts • Billiards I I (/« d!y wmq mqtlt P°°* & &<*rt Tournaments coming soon ■ ■ Available (or private parties Check Out Our Neu/ Beer Prices, Including I I and holiday gatherings. $ 1.25 Busch Light & PBR ALL the TIME ^B___ If yoo an under the age of It, It U agUnat the law to bay alcoholic bercntga*. AH ARC regnlation« ere enforced. ■ WmgAH "Uim Credit CanjT 3,57 Fores{ Orive VntTaoan Mon ■ Fri 11am ■ until B I 3E gg CO -atg (n«xt to Mofganelirt) Behind Zatto't Sat 11am - 8pm li ^■