Holiday Season Sees Heightened Spending

[Sherman A1]

Sixty-two percent of consumers plan to spend the same or more this holiday season compared to the same time last year, revealing optimism for both consumers and retailers for the year’s end.

According to PriceGrabber’s first winter holiday shopping survey, 50 percent of shoppers plan to spend the same amount compared to last year – up slightly from 48 percent in 2011 – and 12 percent plan to spend more, up 7 percent from last year.

Consumers are positive about the upcoming holiday season

Of those consumers who indicated that they will spend more this year, 42 percent said they would do so because they’re making more money this year, 34 percent attributed their decision to better prices on gifts, 22 percent said they have confidence in the economy, 13 percent said they will spend more due to an increased credit limit, and 8 percent are tired of being frugal.

For those who indicated they plan to spend less money on holiday shopping in 2012, 62 percent attributed their spending decision to an increase in food prices, gas and other necessities. Forty-one percent indicated that they are earning less money this year and 39 percent said they planned to spend less due to an acceptance of giving less expensive gifts. The economy continues to impact consumers’ holiday shopping decisions, as the survey found that 64 percent of shoppers say the economic climate will affect their overall spending.

Shoppers are looking forward to better pricing and discounts this holiday season

http://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/consumer-insights/id36408/holiday-season-sees-heightened-spending/

[Iggy]

1. And....

so what?

is this supposed to signal anything new?

[Sherman A1]

2. Well,

The article (if it was read) indicated some expectations of increased consumer spending over last year, so yeah it is a kinda good thing.