Ready to spring into action

~Despite recent icy weather, people are thinking spring

SIKESTON -- Recent ice storms and snow showers mixed with cold temperatures and cloudy days are enough to dampen anyone's spirits.

But, for some, the gloomy weather has motivated them to think spring.

"If you walk in our store, you're going to see spring," said Tami Heavener, women's department manager for JC Penney in Sikeston.

From pastel pink and yellow to coral, white and lime green, the spring lines are enough to brighten anyone's day, Heavener said.

The Sikeston store has had its swimsuit line out for about two weeks, and people are actually buying them, Heavener said.

"Everyone -- at this time of year -- is tired of the weather, and they're getting their income tax returns back and are buying all kinds of spring merchandise," Heavener said. "One customer came in the other day, and she was ecstatic and so happy we had our spring line out because it put her in the mood for spring."

Besides swimsuits, spring active wear such as shorts, capris, jackets and basic T-shirts are selling big right now, Heavener said. Even spring-colored lingerie is hot right now, she said.

"The customers definitely are ready for spring -- and we are, too," said Donna Watkins, manager at Carter's Childrenswear at Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores.

Often times the bright, spring-colored clothing puts people in a happier mood, Watkins said.

"It's funny because we have such a good clearance price on the fall clothes -- and we're not selling fall clothes, just the spring," Watkins said.

Tiffany O'Neal, owner of Tanic Tan in Sikeston, said she's also noticed a surge in business just over the past two weeks.

"People do tan year-round, but usually as soon as the weather starts getting nice and warmer, it starts getting busy," O'Neal said.

O'Neal said business has almost doubled over the last couple weeks.

"It's really picking up," O'Neal said about business. "They're getting ready for March and April. A lot of people are just getting ready to have color by the time summer is here."

Others can't wait to get outdoors just to work in the yards or gardens.

Paul Causey, owner of Causey's Nursery Landscaping Supplies, agreed lots of people are ready for spring.

"A lot of people -- instead of buying new -- are fixing what they've got," Causey said. "Tree planting is really good to do right now while everything is dormant. The tree gets better established before the warmer weather hits."

Right now most customers are purchasing trees and shrubs, mulch and landscaping materials, Causey said.

And for those who really can't take the cold any longer, they're busy planning trips to warmer destinations.

"People are ready to go. They definitely have cabin fever," said Pat Essner, manager of United Travel Associates in Sikeston.

Most of the trips being booked are last-minute spring break plans, Essner said.

"A lot of people --more than usual -- are planning trips to Disney and Sea World. They want to get away to somewhere warmer," Essner said.

Other popular destinations include Dominican Republic, Cancun and Jamaica. Cruises out of New Orleans; Mobile, Ala.; and Jacksonville, Fla., are also in demand, Essner said.

"This is usually a busy a time for us anyway with people getting their tax returns back," Essner said. "It just seems like more than usual."