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Shipping, economy woes playing part in consumer holiday shopping

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November 15, 2021

The current shipping issues and economic issues, such as inflation, are likely going to play a role in how consumers shop and celebrate the upcoming holiday.

The number of Americans celebrating Christmas is down this year, according to a Saint Leo University Polling Institute survey, with 79.5% planning to enjoy the holiday compared to 88.9% in 2019.

"Many people are saying they are going to celebrate Christmas differently this year than in the past," Dr. Keith Jones, associate professor of marketing in Saint Leo University's Tapia College of Business, said in a press release on the study findings. ""They have recognized the importance of doing things with friends and family rather than buying gifts — for example, dining out rather than buying an outfit or other item."

Just about half of those polled, 46.5%, expect to have less money to spend due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"With the economic issues at hand, people are not wanting to create financial burdens by spending more this year," Jones said in the release. "While they may be making the same level of expenditures, for whom and for what they expend the money will look different this year; they will look for more meaningful gifts."

He added that the trend is focusing more on activities than items, so people may be gifting "experiences" to their loved ones such as vacations, recreation activities and spending time together engaging in a new hobby or activity.

More than half, 61.4%, expect delays in gift delivery and 50.1% expect to shop local for most of their gift shopping.