Shopping

TRI-STATE ? Many Tri-State area residents are making lists and checking them twice as the last days of shopping before Christmas close in. While some shoppers, like Cami Nigh of Ranson, W.Va, are only just starting to search for the perfect gifts, others have been shopping for months. Zita Ritchic of Hagerstown said she began her shopping in Reading, Pa., around the middle of October. Sandra Baughman of Hagerstown said she likes to get her shopping out of the way early because it makes the holiday season less hectic.

TRI-STATE - Many Tri-State area residents are making lists and checking them twice as the last days of shopping before Christmas close in. While some shoppers, like Cami Nigh of Ranson, W.Va, are only just starting to search for the perfect gifts, others have been shopping for months. Zita Ritchic of Hagerstown said she began her shopping in Reading, Pa., around the middle of October. Sandra Baughman of Hagerstown said she likes to get her shopping out of the way early because it makes the holiday season less hectic.

WASHINGTON COUNTY - Area retail stores opened before dawn, but lines of shoppers already were waiting, eager to take advantage of early-bird specials and "doorbuster" deals. Best Buy on Garland Groh Boulevard opened at 5 a.m., but customers had lined up long before the opening, general manager Johnny Arias said. Some of those at the front of the line said they had been there since Thursday afternoon. That hardy bunch waited throughout the night, when temperatures dipped into the 30s. Officers with the Hagerstown Police Department greeted shoppers at the front door.

HAGERSTOWN -- After a snowed-in Saturday, many local residents were back on the roads and off to local shopping centers Sunday in an attempt to make up for lost shopping time on the last weekend before Christmas. Between mountains of plowed snow, the parking lots at Valley Mall and the Centre at Hagerstown were filled with cars by Sunday afternoon, a sharp contrast from Saturday, when most stores closed early or did not open at all. Retailers said they were relieved that the weekend would not be a total loss, but there was no doubt that the timing of Saturday's storm was bad news for Christmas sales goals.

Hagerstown resident Nile Daley said he usually shops for Valentine's Day gifts at the last minute. “I don't have to hide the gifts if I buy them on the day,” he said. “I planned on shopping on Valentine's Day.” Daley was among area residents shopping for last-minute Valentine's Day gifts on Tuesday. He bought flowers at Chas. A. Gibney Florist and Greenhouse and said that he has no trouble shopping for them on Feb. 14. “I think the flowers are a little fresher on Valentine's Day,” he said.

The year 2007 was very good for tourism in Washington County. Hotels reported a strong year, with revenue up over last year. The new Homewood Suites by Hilton is reportedly doing very well, as is the one-year-old SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Camping and RV-ing were very popular in Washington County in 2007. Area campgrounds reported a brisk year, with very healthy occupancy and sales revenues. Camper visits to private campgrounds were up compared to last year. Jellystone Park, for instance, reported a large increase in business, mostly attributed to the new water park.

Each year, shoppers take advantage of after-Christmas sales to return unwanted merchandise and get the most of their gift cards. For many of the people in stores Sunday, their day of shopping also was time spent as a family. Marty Soltis of Inwood, W.Va., said he came to Valley Mall with his wife, Lori, and his daughter, Ashley, 26. Kati Rowe said she, her mother, Lisa Rowe, and her sister, Amanda Stull, all of Waynesboro, Pa., and a few other family members all met early for breakfast before hitting the sales.

View the slideshow WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Polly Mellott arrived at Prime Outlets at Hagerstown Thursday at 10:45 p.m. to get a good parking spot for the midnight opening. By Friday at 7:30 a.m., Mellott was resting on a bench outside J.C. Penney at Valley Mall. Mellott was shopping with her daughter, Ann Bittinger of Artemas, Pa., and her daughter-in-law, Kim Mellott. After shopping at the outlets, the women went to Wal-Mart, then arrived at the mall after 7 a.m. Mellott was shopping for gifts and found good specials, she said.

Members of the Knights of Columbus, Pangborn Council, are out in force at shopping centers, churches and other locations around Washington County promoting their annual drive to secure funds to aid the mentally challenged of Washington County. The yellow and red vests the Knights wear identify these volunteers. Contributors are offered Tootsie Rolls in recognition for their contribution. The campaign extends through November. Contributions to the drive can be mailed to Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, 20340 Leitersburg Pike, Hagerstown, MD 21742.

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The list of day trips sponsored by Shippensburg's Fort Morris Chapter, AARP 3324, for the remainder of 2007 has changed. The trip to New York City in December has been canceled and a holiday mystery trip has been planned. Other upcoming trips include: · Monday, Aug. 20 - The American Music Theatre, matinee performance by Kenny Rogers. A meal and time for shopping will be included. · Tuesday, Sept. 11 - The American Music Theatre, selections of "Broadway's Best.