Holiday Shopping Season Kicks Off in Full Swing Across the Country
As the calendar quickly flips toward December, cities across the nation are buzzing with festive shopping energy. Yes, it’s that time of year again when families, friends, and even coworkers find themselves bustling to store aisles, typing away on their mobile phones, and clicking through countless online retailers in search of the perfect holiday gifts. The holiday season is officially upon us and experts predict it will be a busy one!
Record Spending on the Horizon
Each year, the holiday period is crucial for retailers, and it’s expected to be no different this season. According to statistics from the National Retail Federation (NRF), holiday sales have historically accounted for an average of 19% of total annual sales across the last five years. Many retailers are looking forward to a significant sales bump, with predictions showing that total retail sales for this year could increase between 2.5% to 3.5% over last year’s figures. This modest increase still paves the way for some big spending!
The NRF predicts shoppers are expected to spend at least $25 billion more than they did last year, with consumers anticipating an average spend of about $1,778 this holiday season, up 8% from 2023. Interestingly, it seems that people are particularly looking to spend more on experiences, decorations, and yes, even holiday clothing in their quest for festive cheer.
Record Online Sales but Price Sensitivity Remains
Not to be overlooked, e-commerce is the driving force behind sales growth this season. Projections from Salesforce forecast global online holiday sales hitting about $1.19 trillion, which only reflects a 2% growth from last year. Adobe anticipates even more significant online spending, with expectations for U.S. online sales to reach a record $240.8 billion, representing an 8.4% increase. Wow!
However, the economic climate of persistent inflation hasn’t gone unnoticed by shoppers. Inflation has influenced customer behaviors, as many shoppers remain skeptical about purchases. A recent survey pointed out that 61% of consumers expected to spend more than $600 this season, but 47% of them also noted that elevated prices in essentials like food and fuel would likely lead them to curtail their shopping plans.
Five Fewer Shopping Days Until Christmas
Shoppers this year not only face inflation impact but also a tighter time window! With five fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, consumers are jumping into their shopping earlier than ever. Many have opted to spread out their budgets by starting their holiday shopping even before November! The pressure and excitement are palpable, as an astounding 197 million shoppers took to stores and online platforms over the Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday period.
Shifting Trends in Holiday Shopping
This year, consumers are looking for that extra special touch when it comes to their holiday gifts. While traditional shopping remains popular, savvy shoppers have picked up on online specials and discounts. For instance, it’s expected that one in five online purchases will be made through popular shopping apps like Temu and Shein, showcasing a remarkable shift in consumer behavior toward digital platforms. Many shoppers have also recently embraced TikTok, which surged in popularity among online retailers.
Conclusion: A Budding Holiday Spirit Amid Challenges
The holiday spirit is alive and well, mixed with a dose of reality as inflation continues to affect how and how much people spend. With record spending predicted, a new blend of shopping traditions and technology-friendly options opens doors for unique shopping experiences. As we hunker down for a festive yet challenged holiday season, it’s clear that while shoppers are decidedly more cautious, they remain committed to making this time of year special both for themselves and their loved ones.
This is truly a year to watch as the holiday shopping landscape evolves! Happy holidays and happy shopping!
