Florida retailers expect a boost in holiday shopping sales this year over last. The Florida Retail Federation is predicting a 3% to 4.5% increase over 2012, with online purchases expected to jump by 15%.
Federation president Rick McAllister says consumer confidence is up, so Floridians are more likely to buy something for themselves while shopping for loved ones. He also says many stores will be open on Thanksgiving this year because their customers demanded it.
"Some people like to sit around after their big lunch and tell stories; others like to watch football. But, what’s growing and growing is families that don’t see each other very often like to go shopping", said McAllister. "If they didn’t, we wouldn’t be open so it’s about supply and demand."McAllister also says increased Florida tourism is good for business.
Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency, is projecting nearly 100-million visitors in 2013, and most will do some shopping.
As far as what people actually want for Christmas? This year’s most requested present is pretty simple: a store gift card.