Posted on 12/07/2011 4:38:10 AM PST by Rational Thought
In an extraordinary display of Christmas-time contrast, the CNBC All-America Economic Survey finds that Americans plan robust holiday spending increases this year despite recession-like attitudes about the economy.
The survey of 800 Americans across the country shows that the average American plans to spend $751 on gifts this year, up 22 percent from last year’s spending plans. The number would represent a healthy 4.6 percent gain over actual holiday spending in 2010 as measured by the National Retail Federation.
While the wealthy are responsible for driving the number higher, the survey finds that every single income group, including those with salaries $30,000 or lower, intend to dig deeper into their wallets this year to spread Yuletide cheer.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnbc.com ...
Odd. I haven't seen big crowds at the local malls. The only places I've seen crowds lately is at the grocery store.
Maybe people are buying food as Christmas presents?
It will be interesting to see some hard data on the holiday shopping season after Christmas.
I’m shopping more than previous years for one reason... I’m scared to death of what Next Christmas is going to look like under more of the FUHRER Obama REGIME!!!
It would be interesting to know how what people plan to spend on Christmas gifts relates to what they actually spend.
FUBO GTFO! 410 Days until Noon Jan 20, 2013
I have spent about the same as last year but so far all of it fas been online. I hate malls!
I was shopping this past Saturday. I visited a Kohl’s and a Target. Neither store was the least bit busy; there was no wait at the registers. The sale prices at Kohl’s were astounding.
This year we are spending half of what we have in the past. We have no choice. My husband’s pay as a government contracter has been frozen, while our grocery and gasoline costs have drastically increased. At age 65, he is thankful to have this job. He won’t be retiring next year either.
It will be interesting to see some hard data on the holiday shopping season after Christmas.”
What would be interesting would be to see some hard data that is truthful - on anything. If the results turn out to be less than what BO and the MSM want, the headlines will either include the famous word “Unexpectedly” or a key factor involved in the calculation will be omitted. Something similar to eliminating the cost of food and gasoline when calculating the current increase in the cost of living.
I bought a toy for one of my sons at Walmart yesterday. My list for today includes ordering “something” to be delivered for my parents and my brother. We all usually send each other food products, so we don’t end up with Stuff ... and if the recipient doesn’t like whatever it is, he can take it to a party!
Although I don't shop at malls I've notice the Christmas season traffic I normally see around the malls and big box stores is a fraction of what it usually is.
I wonder how much is due to the deep discounts.
My husband is getting set of three specialty tools he wants that are being offered for an amazing price. They will help his hobby-turned-second-business enterprise.
My own wish list is heavy on practical items that will help us get through the coming harder times.
Instead of a lot of useless gifts, we will be donating to some local charities and joining a local service organization to plan ways to be helpful in the coming year.
The mood in “The Christmas Orange” story seems pervasive this year.
We picked an “Angel of Giving” tree. Last year was stuff like bikes, video games, stuffed animals. This year were things like “fruit and candy”. They had “food”, but wanted nicer food and luxury food for Christmas.
Or it is things like someone who can afford to get by but goes nuts when you give them a 24 pack of a favorite soda, something they can’t get anymore themselves.
Or someone who is delighted with a $50 gift certificate to the grocery store, to buy what they want rather than WIC or food stamp limitations.
I made 2 trips to the local mall this week, evening 6-8PM (for other than Christmas shopping). Both times, the mall was a ghost town.
As for shopping for others... Mostly giving cash or gift certificates as presents this year. Probably about half what we used to spend.
I’m asking that any gifts to me be donations to Wounded Warrior or Fisher House. I’m tired of getting “stuff”.
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