A rebounding economy and growing consumer confidence may contribute to a successful holiday shopping season this year.
The consulting firm Accenture reported that this year 52 percent of consumers will increase their spending by $250 or more. On the whole, the report says people are expected to spend $582 for the holiday. 53 percent say they will brave the crowds on Black Friday.
"We actually started preparing right after the season ended last year,” said Scott Redman, store manager at Wal-Mart in the 8500 block of Jones-Maltsberger.
It does not appear there is any rest for the weary when it comes to retail sales, especially during the holidays. Redman said he begins the holiday season the year before so the merchandise will be ready.
Speaking from his own experience with his store, he said customer confidence seems to be back.
"We've seen an uptick, a good uptick, in not only customer count, but the average ticket that they're spending,” Redman said.
Christmas items started appearing on the shelves in September, and Redman said it is getting earlier every year. Toys are ready for shoppers like Lisa Welsh, who can't say exactly what she'll get 5-year-old Jordan who's in the cart, but she has some ideas.
"Anything with wheels, and any ball. He wants a choo-choo for sure,” said Welsh.
And while there may not be lines to deal with online, e-commerce is expected to grow this year as well.
