Kelowna

The Canadian economy may have suffered this past year, but if traffic at the malls is any indication, it hasn't affected the Christmas shopping season much.

Norbert Gelowitz, General Manager of Orchard Park Shopping Centre, says while sales figures aren't in until January, the Christmas shopping season seems to be about the same as last year.

"Anything in terms of numbers I give you would be an estimate as we don't have traffic counters," says Gelowitz. "But I would say, by talking to the managers and the merchants, that things are about the same as last year."

Gelowitz says the mall has sold "a few percentage points" more in gift certificates than last year.

"That would probably be the biggest indicator right there."

Pat Davies, property manager of Towne Centre Mall, says she's noticed traffic to the mall is down a little this year.

"Things are so up and down right now," says Davies, "So, we're not as busy as last year, definitely."

Davies says, however, that merchants have told her things aren't as bad as they feared.

"The economy is bad in general, but it's starting to pick up," says Davies. "So (the merchants) are a little optimistic."

Officials with Capri Centre Mall were not available for comment.