GMDC Shares Insight on Holiday Retail Trends

As the holidays draw closer, general merchandise, including gift cards, clothing, books and media are making their way to the top of consumers’ wish lists, according to spending reports from the National Retail Federation.

In fact, sales are expected to increase by 3.4% with online shopping becoming the most popular consumer experience for the first time in survey history. To help retailers make the most of these trends, Global Market Development Center (GMDC), unwrapped NRF’s top holiday retail trends.

 NRF’s annual consumer spending survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics predicts consumers plan to spend an average of $967 during the 2017 holiday season compared to last year’s reported spending of $936.

 The figure includes food, flowers, decorations, gifts for others and greeting cards. ͞With employment and incomes increasing, consumers are more confident this year and that is reflected in their buying plans for the holidays, ͟ said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. ͞Retailers have been stocking up in expectation of this, and all signs are that this will be a busy holiday season. Retailers are preparing for a rush of consumers leading into Thanksgiving and all through December, and are offering a wide array of merchandise and promotions so shoppers can find great gifts and great deals at the same time.

NRF anticipates shoppers will jump online and flock to department stores. In fact, online shopping is at its highest rate ever this year – 59%, up from 57% last year. The survey also found that 57% will shop at a department store, 54% at a discount store, 46% at a grocery store/supermarket and 35% at clothing or accessories store. The survey found 27% plan to visit an electronics store, 25% a small or local business, and 18 percent will go to a crafts or fabrics store.

According to NRF, shoppers say these are at the top of their wish lists this season:

͞This holiday season is an important one, given the disruptive and rapidly evolving marketplace, ͟ said Mark Mechelse, director of research, industry insights and communications at GMDC.͟ As the online versus offline battle continues, brick and mortar retailers have a unique opportunity to embrace change. Those that differentiate themselves and leverage technology to transform the way consumers shop can deliver enhanced experiences inside the store. Advancing a new mix of offerings through click-and-collect and home delivery, and curating an assortment of products to reflect localization strategies, retailers can satisfy even the savviest shopper’s wish list