Friday sales figures expected to top '08

Only time will tell how predictions hold up, but total retail sales this Black Friday weekend are expected to increase 2.8 percent from last year, totaling $42.9 billion, according to industry research firm IBISWorld.

With 76.9 million people estimated to storm retailers on Friday alone, shoppers are expected to take advantage of discounts while items are available.

"Consumers have become accustomed to sales and deep discounts during the past year, but retailers have low inventory levels this season and will try to keep prices high," IBISWorld senior analyst Toon van Beeck said.

"Shoppers will need to purchase before the stores run out if they have specific items on their gift lists."

Retailers have to walk a tightrope with consumers. If they avoid discounting too long, shoppers with little disposable income will look elsewhere for gifts. Competition among merchants will be fierce and pricing will be crucial.

The National Retail Federation predicts that 134 million people will shop Friday through Sunday, up from 128 million last year.

New sparkle

JC Jewelers LLC at 150 Main Road on Johns Island will have a grand reopening between Thanksgiving and Christmas and has branched into retail sales after focusing mainly on wholesale repair work.

It will now offer engraving and repairs to jewelry. The business is owned by James Drinkard and operated by his wife, Christy.

As part of its reopening celebration, the shop hopes to offer a dive-for-diamonds campaign where customers plunge into a bowl of cubic zirconia fake diamonds in search of one real diamond. The winner will be able to choose a setting and keep the diamond.

The store also plans gold-buying parties for people and churches to give back to the community.

Pop-up shop

Upper King Street has a new fashion shop, if only temporarily.

Novel at 438 King St. is a holiday venture by Jane Pope and Lauren Lail. Pope makes her own jewelry and has been written up in magazines such as Vogue. Lail sells vintage clothing through her business, Library: Archives of Fashion.

The shop will be there through Dec. 20, with the option to continue if sales warrant. It also will offer a Black Friday Market that includes other vendors.

Flower power

Charleston Florist at 184 King St. recently purchased Butterfly Flower Shop at 793 Folly Road on James Island. Butterfly, which operated for more than 30 years before it closed last month, was owned by Kelly Mitchum, who decided to try her hand at something else.

Charleston Florist, in business more than 75 years, is owned by Kelly Smith Hunt of James Island and will serve Butterfly's customer base from the downtown Charleston location.

In the know? Do you know of a business that is opening, closing or expanding? Reach Warren Wise at 937-5524 or wwise@postandcourier.com.