Best bet is that retailers believed government forecasts for more holiday spending, increased consumer confidence and an expanding economy instead of believing their own lying eyes.
Judging fromt he parking lots and store activity over the past week, I'll bet Christmas for a lot of folks happened after December 25th.
“I’ll bet Christmas for a lot of folks happened after December 25th”
I agree. I’ve talked to some friends and all of their shopping was extremely conservative. By that, I mean clothes for the kids that they needed anyways and very few high priced items. One friend “combined” her daughters gift as Christmas and her Spring birthday gift (a pair of Uggs).
Empty parking lots, no jobs and the threat of higher taxes and yet the msm was spinning record sales. I wasn’t going to spend a dime this year but broke down because sonny boy needed some long and short sleeved tshirts. Found some for $1.50 at Walgreens. Spent $10 so he’s stocked up. I doubt that helped Walgreens’ bottom line. Didn’t spend a dime on Christmas or New Year’s dinners. Make that no recent spending since everything was from the pantry, freezer or garden.
“Best bet is that retailers believed government forecasts for more holiday spending, increased consumer confidence and an expanding economy instead of believing their own lying eyes. Judging fromt he parking lots and store activity over the past week, I’ll bet Christmas for a lot of folks happened after December 25th.”
As an increasing number of people give gift cards, I’m suremuch of that shopping is happening after Christmas Day. I know I’ve used them in the past to buy as much of my normal staples (to help pay down credit card debt) - light bulbs from Home Depot, groceries from Target, etc. The AmEx cards are great because you can use them in a supermarket.
The days of Christmas with adults buying adult toys are over for most Americans; welcome to the “new normal”.