Downtown retailers expect late Christmas shopping surge

Dec. 22 — TUPELO — With only a few days left before Christmas, the time to shop for gifts is running out, but retailers expect a late surge over the next few days. After all, consumers have been opening their wallets and ringing up purchases this holiday season. According to Adobe Analytics, sales on Black Friday surged 7.5% over last year, up to $9.8 billion online alone. Cyber Monday sales were up 10% to $12.4 billion. At MLM Clothiers, this has been one of the best holiday shopping seasons the store has had in its 83 years, and business could get even better in the next few days. “It’s been really good,” said MLM owner Joe Yarber. “They’re buying vests,…