Black Friday frenzy started early for some shoppers as the Las Vegas Premium Outlets opened their doors Thanksgiving night, November 25th 2010.
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 | 2 a.m.
Ready or not, here we are. The holiday season is upon us in full force — Christmas music, twinkling lights and frenzied shoppers.
If you’re done holiday shopping, sit back, relax and sip hot cocoa. For everyone else: Gear up for a mad scramble to the finish line. Thanksgiving falls later this year, meaning more to do in less time.
Here’s your guide for making it through the busiest shopping season unscathed.
-
Holiday spending
The economy might be in recovery mode, but it’s not enough to spur Americans to increase spending this holiday season.
The average holiday shopper will spend $737.95 this year on everything from gifts to holiday décor, according to a National Retail Federation survey. That amount is 2 percent less than what consumers spent last year.
On the bright side, the National Retail Federation expects holiday sales — in the months of November and December — to increase 3.9 percent, a slight increase over last year’s 3.5 percent holiday sales growth.
-
Best shopping days
With only four weekends separating Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, expect shopping centers and parking lots to be more crowded than usual.
If that’s not exactly your definition of enjoying the holiday spirit, plan accordingly.
ShopperTrak, which provides shopping analytics for retailers, predicts that Dec. 4 will have the least amount of store shopper traffic and, thus, will be the best day to shop. That’s next Wednesday.
The next-best days for holiday shopping will be Dec. 3 and Dec. 2, respectively, according to ShopperTrak.
-
Shopping local
Big-box stores, beware. The smaller mom-and-pop stores might give you a run for your money this year.
Two-thirds of shoppers say they plan to stay close to home and shop at small businesses, independent retailers and boutique shops this year, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday survey.
Consumers surveyed indicated they wanted to support the local economy, find unique gifts and shop where it was more convenient.
The trend doesn’t surprise Dave Stefaniak, owner of Kettlemucks Toy Shoppe, which he and his wife opened in Henderson in October 2010. Business at their specialty toy store has grown every year, which Stefaniak attributes, in part, to their "personal service."
Customers can come to Kettlemucks, describe their 4-year-old grandson’s personality and ask for toy suggestions, Stefaniak said, explaining his definition of personal service.
“We’ll take the time to do that,” he said. “We’ll help find the perfect gift.”
-
Gift cards
Stumped about what to buy Great Aunt Ida or a teenage relative? A gift card might be the answer.
Sure, gift cards might seem like the easy way out, but in a recent survey, 6 in 10 Americans said they would prefer receiving gift cards, according to the National Retail Federation.
Gift-givers appear to be listening. A survey conducted this month by Prosper Insights & Analytics found that roughly 81 percent of people polled planned to buy a gift card this holiday season. That percentage has been relatively constant since 2011.
On average, shoppers plan to spend $45 per gift card this year, according to the Prosper survey. Department stores, restaurants and Visa, MasterCard or American Express gift cards, in that order, were the most popular choices among the survey respondents.
-
Popular toys
What goes out of style eventually becomes trendy again. The same is true with toys.
Some of the popular toys on the market this holiday season are “retro toys,” meaning updated models — often with a technology component — that mimic old favorites, said Adrienne Appell, a toy trend specialist for the Toy Industry Association Inc.
Other popular toys on kids’ wish lists this year will involve building and creating, Appell said.
Below are some of the expected hot toys for the 2013 holidays. All the toys are nominees for the association’s Toy of the Year Awards:
Battroborg 3-in-1 Battle Arena
Description: Battroborgs are motion-controlled battling robots, and the arena offers several competitive game modes.
Ages: 6 and older
Retail: $79.99
Disney Infinity
Description: Disney Infinity is a video game using beloved Disney characters that lets kids create their own worlds and games.
Ages: 10 and older
Retail: $74.99 for the gaming console starter kit
Rainbow Loom
Description: This kit allows children to create crafts such as bracelets or rings with colorful rubber band links.
Ages: 8 and older
Retail: $14.99
Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow
Description: This bow, decorated with pink and purple phoenix feathers, shoots five foam darts up to 75 feet.
Ages: 8 and older
Retail: $19.99
Barbie Digital Makeover
Description: This device transforms an iPad into a digital makeup mirror for virtual makeovers. The iPad is not included.
Ages: 6 and older
Retail: $69.99
Mirari Pop! Pop! Piano
Description: This musical toy encourages young children to discover cause and effect. Pressing the piano keys causes stars to pop up.
Ages: 12 months and older
Retail: $24.99
For more inspiration and to vote on this year’s best toys, visit toyawards.org.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy