Now that Halloween is over, the calendar is pointing to the real holiday season, which runs through New Year’s Day, and a lot of gift and festive spending is ahead as retailers remind Floridians to keep their eyes on local merchants.
The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) is advising shoppers, “‘Tis the season to shop local.” The Sunshine State business advocacy group is urging holiday shoppers to focus on stores nearby rather than fixate on buying online or ordering items from outside the area.
“There’s a strong forecast for Christmas cheer this year,” said Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the FRF. “Whether you’re searching for new seasonal decor or stuffing stockings, Florida’s retail stores offer the options, the deals and the expertise you need to find the perfect item this holiday season.”
The FRF’s umbrella organization, the National Retail Federation (NRF), surveyed 8,247 people between Oct. 1 and Oct. 7 to compile the projected spending patterns this holiday season. Consumers say they expect to spend $890.49 per person this year on holiday goods, gifts, decorations and other seasonal items. If that holds, it would be the second-highest amount of individual spending the NRF has recorded in the 23 years it has conducted the surveys.
Out of the participants in that survey, 50% said they’ll buy gift cards, another 46% said they’ll purchase clothing and accessories, 27% will buy books and other media, 23% plan to purchase personal care and beauty items, and 22% will likely buy electronics.
Given those choices, Shalley said there’s no reason for consumers to bypass local merchants in their own communities. The FRF has a promotion called “Find It In Florida,” which encourages shoppers in the state to support local businesses.
“By shopping local, Floridians can help boost the local economy and support their community,” FRF officials said in a news release.
Other takeaways from the NRF survey include that 42% of shoppers plan to start browsing and buying holiday gifts well before Thanksgiving to avoid the stress of last-minute shopping. Another 63% said, though, that they’ll wait until Thanksgiving weekend to begin shopping and 60% said they’ll finalize shopping in December as Christmas approaches.