Father's Day shoppers expected to spend less

Spending on dear old Dad is expected to taper off slightly this year, as the generosity of adoring kids and spouses gets pinched by the rising cost of gasoline and other everyday expenses.

So says the National Retail Federation, which found in a survey of 8,347 shoppers conducted by BIGresearch that consumers plan to spend an average of $94.54 on Father's Day this year compared to $98.34 in 2007.

Total spending is expected to reach $9.6 billion.

According to the trade group's survey, a tad more than 41 percent of respondents said they will treat the man of the house to a special outing and fork over average of $20.19. Other popular gifts include the old standbys: clothes, books, gift cards, sporting goods, consumer electronics and computer-related accessories.

In good news for the Hallmark folks, more than 68 percent said they would invest in a greeting card.

"The fact of the matter is gas prices are high, grocery bills are increasing and we're entering the summer months when energy prices will also start to increase," said Phil Rist, BIGresearch's vice president of strategy. "Quality time with family and friends will be important this Father's Day as opposed to larger, more expensive gifts."

Selling 'Sex'

Department store operator Belk Inc. is seizing on the hoopla surrounding the recent release of the Sex and the City film. The Charlotte-based chain is launching an exclusive fashion line for women under partnership with former South Carolina resident Kristin Davis, who played Charlotte York in the hit flick and the now-defunct HBO television series. Her so-called lifestyle brand will include feminine apparel, sleepwear, footwear, handbags and jewelry. Prices will range between $38 and $240, Belk said.

The brand initially will be offered online and in 125 of the company's stores, including its Mount Pleasant Towne Centre and Citadel Mall outlets, a representative said. It will be rolled out to other unspecified locations next spring. The collection will be showcased in specially designed Kristin Davis in-store shops ranging in size from 500 to more than 1,000 square feet. Davis and the retailer go way back: She frequented Belk in Columbia, where she was raised.

Working vacation

Upper King Street restaurant Fish is taking a breather this summer to spruce up and expand.

The 8-year-old fine-dining establishment with a French-Asian flair is set to close Monday and reopen sometime in September, according to owner Patrick Properties.

Planned improvements include a tripling of the size of the bar area and relocating the dining room into the first floor of 440 King St. Leading the overhaul is Fish's original architect, Reggie Gibson of Gibson Thompson Guess.

The restaurant occupies a renovated 1837 Charleston single-style home adjacent to Patrick Properties other upper King hospitality holdings, including the American Theater and the William Aiken House.

Updates can be found at patrickprops.blogspot.com.

Reach John McDermott at 937-5572 or jmcdermott@postandcourier.com.