By Lauren Wanko
Correspondent
We haven’t put away the pumpkins or scarecrows yet New Jerseyans are already thinking about shopping for the holidays. Ocean Grove resident Barbara Shildneck said, “I have my brother and his family and a couple of great nephews so I’ll be spending probably around 1,000 dollars.” Wall Township’s resident Linda Schmiedl, “we actually give money to the kids because they have unlimited wants.” “That’s what keeps America going!” said Edna Dierk from Ocean Grove.
The National Retail Federation forecasts holiday sales to increase 3.7 percent to more than 630 billion dollars this November and December up from the 10 year average of 2.5 percent. That excludes auto, gas, and restaurant sales.
Professor John Buzza from the Leon Hess Business School at Monmouth University said, “I think the biggest thing about the numbers is that people are very anxious for the season to start.”
NRF is also forecasting online sales to increase between 6 and 8 percent. Buzza continued, “If people can shop from home, it’s a lot easier, if you look at retailers their sales have increased dramatically because of home shopping.” He also says local shops offer service, something some customers will pay extra for. “Gingerbreads Teas and Treasures” in Ocean Grove owner Teresa Lepore agrees “you get personal attention, people help you pick out your gifts and I think that makes quite a bit of a difference.”
Professor Buzza predicts holiday spending will increase more than the predicted 3.7 percent because of new styles and popular movie and TV show themed products. Lepore sees the value in selling those items too, “a lot of the Downtown Abbey products are really big this year because this is the last season of Downtown Abbey and everyone is sad about that and wants a little piece to remember.”
“Gingerbreads Teas and Treasures” is open year round, after the summer season winds down, Lepore counts on holiday shoppers. She stocks up on merchandise now in anticipation of customers ready to spend. NRF says this year’s holiday sales are expected to represent approximately 19 percent of the retail industry’s annual sales.
Buzz concludes “yes, you know this is the season you have to sell, you have to score the touchdown on this drive.”
Only 65 days until Christmas.