Shoppers in the Washington area are loosening up their wallets a bit this holiday season. But with many still focusing on deal-driven spending, some industry officials say it won’t mean a breakout year for retailers. Traffic is up in the malls and even more online, where more consumers are being lured by free shipping deals and less hassle.
“I only do shopping online,” said Eric Norton, who was breezing through Tysons Corner Center. “I’m just here to get [store] catalogs and get out.”
Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, shattered records this year, topping $1 billion in spending and making it the busiest online shopping day in history, according to the research firm comScore Inc. Since the beginning of November, online sales are up 13 percent to $13.6 billion from $12 billion last year.
| Shopping tips |
| Getting the best deal: A number of Web sites offer product searches to help you make sure you’re not spending more than you have to. To compare bargains, try PriceGrabber.com, CyberMonday.com or DealAlerter.com. |
| Know your deadlines: The last day to send out an online purchase via standard shipping for arrival before Christmas varies by retailer. Most standard shipping deadlines are between Dec. 15 and 20 but some (like Kohls.com and CircuitCity.com) have already expired. |
| Buying local: A gift from a local business guarantees your present will be unique. (But don’t be shy about asking for a gift receipt just in case.) Check out ThinkLocalFirstDC.com, BuyLocalSilverSpring.com or ShopLocalAlexandria.com for a few ideas and deal alerts. |
| Gift cards aren’t a cop-out: According to the National Retail Federation, 2010 marks the fourth year straight that gift cards have been the most-requested gift. So go ahead — make your shopping a little easier. |
Analysts expect more in the days ahead — traditionally the busiest online shopping day of the year is mid-December as shoppers rush to make sure their purchases are shipped in time for Christmas. More online spending could come Friday, with more than 1,000 sites expected to participate in Free Shipping Day.
In addition, some companies, like Macy’s, are offering free shipping in stores.
“Retailers are starting to grasp that concept [of] ‘It doesn’t matter how they shop with me, it just matters that they shop with me,’ ” said Larry Joseloff, vice president of content of Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation.
Meanwhile, malls are enjoying more traffic too. Tysons Corner opened at midnight on Black Friday to more crowds than last year, said Cory Scott, the mall’s senior manager.
The retail federation predicts spending at stores nationwide will top $447 billion this year, up 2.3 percent from last year. Spending has been 2 to 3 percent better, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Scott said he has seen about that same level of increased activity but notes the region’s consumers are being savvy.
“The technology people have with their smart phones makes them different shoppers now,” he said. “They’re looking up items while they’re here to compare deals [with another store in the mall] more this year than ever.”
Last year’s holiday season was marked by door-buster deals and storewide sales as retailers tried to lure shoppers during the recession. And even though the economy has improved, shoppers say they aren’t changing their spending habits.
Several shoppers at Tysons Corner said they will spend about $1,000 this year on gifts, roughly the same amount they spent last year. Others said they prefer not to look at the total amount but stick to buying deals.
“I try to be sensible,” Radhika Barrett said. “With three kids you have to be.”
The deal hunting is why Maryland Retailers Association President Pat Donoho said gains in profit will be slight although spending should be up.
“The consumer today is extremely focused on value,” he said. “So retailers may have consumers come in and cherry pick you, which is just spending money on your deals. The result is your net profit is reduced. Sales are one thing — profit’s another.”
But overall, the outlook is brighter than it was a year ago, when retailers were just hoping to post minimal gains over 2008’s disastrous holiday season.
The International Council of Shopping Centers said November sales were better than expected — chain stores scored a 5.8 percent sales increase from the year before. The council expects about a 3.5 percent increase in spending this year.
More consumers are shopping for themselves this year, which could account for much of the early sales increases.
For many, the bargains are too good to pass up.
“I told my husband not to shop for me because I’ve found good deals on stuff for myself already,” said Tysons shopper Kelly Hill, who was in town for the weekend to visit her family.
