Retailers have their work cut out for them during the 2015 winter holiday season. In 2014, retailers experienced one of the strongest holiday seasons in recent years, according to a report by Mintel International provided by MarketResearch.com.
And this year, the continued economic growth, improving job market, and lower gas prices are all positive factors contributing to high sales in 2015.
Holiday shoppers plan on spending an average $463 on family members. This year, a common theme many merchandisers are seeing is self-shopping. With gifts for family and friends and themselves, consumers are planning to spend $805 on holiday merchandise, up from $802 in 2014.
The holiday season, November and December, is one of the most important times of the year for retailers. Many companies account for nearly 30% of their annual business during the holidays. Retail sales are expected to increase by 3.7% this year, which will hit an estimated $630.5 billion.