U.S. holiday shopping season surging towards a strong finish

[Right_in_Virginia]

U.S. holiday shopping season surging towards a strong finish
Reuters, Dec 21, 2017, Nandita Bose

A jump in consumer spending in the final stretch of December should build on a strong start to the U.S. holiday season and help the embattled retail industry beat sales forecasts, industry research groups said. The spending boost in December comes ahead of Super Saturday - the last Saturday before Christmas, which often sets the annual record for retail sales and is one of the busiest shopping days of the year along with Black Friday.

In recent years, shopping in the final weeks has determined the success of the season. “Across the board, the whole season is up pretty significantly this year versus last year,” said Glenn Fodor, senior vice-president and head of information and analytics at payment processor First Data.


More: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-holidayshopping/u-s-holiday-shopping-season-surging-towards-a-strong-finish-idUSKBN1EF2DX?il=0

[dfwgator]

Media Spin:  People are buying before Trump gets us all blown up.

[Applewood]

But from what I hear, most of the shopping is online -- which, if true, does not bode well for brick and mortar stores.

[Right_in_Virginia]

But from what I hear, most of the shopping is online -- which, if true, does not bode well for brick and mortar stores.

Macy's in Herald Square, NY on Nov 27, 2017

[Oceander]

Hallelujah and Praise Lord Trump.

“Bless us, Lord Trump, for these gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty ....”

[DCPatriot]

Hallelujah and Praise Lord Trump.

“Bless us, Lord Trump, for these gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty ....”

 

[RoosGirl]

Hallelujah and Praise Lord Trump.

“Bless us, Lord Trump, for these gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty ....”

@Oceander

Your comments lately have made me laugh; man I love sarcasm.

[Applewood]

@Right_in_Virginia

Our local news had video of shoppers at the mall. It gives the impression that the retailers are making a killing.  But how many of those people actually buy something?

Some retailers are offering huge discounts now instead of after Christmas. Remains to be seen whether those price reductions will have any effect on the bottom line    Some people go to the store to check the price, then go home and search online to see if they can get it cheaper. 

I myself stay out of the stores before Christmas because I hate crowds.    I don't buy too many presents.  Lately, I just give gift cards. And most of those cards are ordered online too.