Channel 10 Rewind: 1970s Christmas Shopping | FOX 10 Phoenix

Despite economists warning of stagflation—a combination of recession and inflation—Arizona consumers are still spending heavily on 1974 Christmas gifts. High-end retailer Goldwater's and mid-range store Sears both report substantial sales increases, with shoppers seemingly ignoring the bad economic news.

Despite consumer prices being over 7% higher than the previous year, Phoenix-area storekeepers in 1975 are optimistic, expecting a 10% to 15% increase in holiday sales. The business mood is reportedly swinging back towards spending, with some retailers hoping to surpass 1973 pre-recession sales records.

The 1976 "Ultimate Gifts" selection offers extravagant, unique items for the very rich, ranging from a custom-built amusement park for $2 million per acre to $5 million in exotic furs. Other unusual offerings include a private underground film by Andy Warhol for $150,000 or the chance to coach a professional basketball team for $5,000.

The weekend after Thanksgiving saw the official kickoff of the 1977 Christmas shopping season, with the MetroCenter Mall packed so heavily that finding parking was difficult and the indoor crowds were dense. Retailers view the following days as key indicators and are already anticipating a very successful season, hoping for an 8% to 12% sales increase over last year.
Despite early concerns, the 1977 Christmas shopping season is proving very successful, with store managers' initial hopes for an 8% to 12% increase over last year being realized. Increased consumer confidence, likely reflecting a pickup in local economic activity like construction, is driving sales, leading many stores to predict their best December in history.

The day after Thanksgiving 1978 lived up to its reputation as one of the year's biggest shopping days, turning the Metrocenter Mall into an "absolute madhouse" with thousands of shoppers leading to traffic jams and even lost children. Despite the chaos, the shopping center expected to net an enormous $3.5 million in retail sales, significantly more than the average daily half million.

Despite crowded parking lots suggesting heavy traffic, store owners inn 1979 report that customers are not spending as much money, causing sales receipts to fall short of predictions and fail to keep pace with inflation. Retailers are concerned about the current buying slump, which is expected to continue into early 1980, and are hoping for bad weather in the last four shopping days to drive shoppers into the stores

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