BY CARRIE HODOUSEK
CHARLESTON — More people are shopping in-person this holiday season compared to last year, according to the West Virginia Retailers Association.
President Bridget Lambert said they’re anticipating an increase of more than 20 million shoppers during Super Saturday, the biggest shopping day before Christmas Day, at stores across the nation.
“When that last occurred in 2017, we saw 126 million shoppers participate all across the nation. This year, we’re anticipating 142 million shoppers in the stores,” she said.
Lambert said more shoppers are buying gifts in-person following the COVID pandemic.
“They’re still doing online shopping; however, people are excited to be out, look at the decorations, check out the merchandise, see bargains that are available in their local community. It’s creating a perfect storm,” she said.
With only five days left until Christmas Day, Lambert said consumers are encouraged to get their online orders complete soon.
“If they’re shopping online, make sure that they’re on the actual retailers’ website. That’s a good customer practice. Make sure to double check what the delivery dates are for any order that you’re ordering right now this last week before the holiday,” she said.
Sales have increased 3.3% unadjusted year-over-year on a three-month average as of November and up 3.7% for the first 11 months of this year, Lambert said.
“What that means is we have a good steady pace going for this holiday season of 2023 to shape up really well for us,” she said.
Lambert said 50% of consumers have bought clothing or accessories, 34% have bought toys, 27% have bought gift cards, 34% have purchased books and other media and 23% have bought personal care or beauty items.
