The National Retail Federation and Adobe Analytics project sales to increase this holiday season compared to previous years.
ELK GROVE, Calif. — Just days before Christmas and as shoppers race to finish their holiday lists, the retail industry is seeing strong numbers.
The National Retail Federation predicts a 2.5% to 3.5% jump in retail sales compared to 2023. Meanwhile, Adobe Analytics predicts a nearly 8.9% increase in consumer spending during 2024’s holiday season.
With strong numbers nationwide, local small business owners say they are also seeing a sales boost.
“You get more of that hands-on experience, people who actually care,” said Jessica Gill, owner of Elk Grove’s Vintage Soul. “We’ve had a great turnout this season. Great community support. Nordstrom Rack isn’t going to remember what you bought or remember your name. We do.”
Business owners like Gill say one thing that has worked well to boost business so far this season has been hosting events like Sunday’s “Polar Express Vintage Market,” put on doors down from her business in Old Town Elk Grove.
“We put on these small business markets for vendors to sell their products and art,” said River City Marketplace event producer Elias Rieland. “This is the first event I launched, and as a result, I opened up a store a couple of months ago.”
The market and small businesses in general offer exactly the type of experience that shoppers like Deborah Falero and her granddaughter are looking for.
“It’s just more personable and I think we ought to get back to it,” said Falero. “I got a barbed wire wreath that (the business owner) made because I live on a horse ranch and that will be a present for somebody.”
Personalized presents paired with individualized interactions are just what business owners say can only really be experienced when shopping small.
“We’re not near as busy as the mall so you get a nice, still shopping experience,” said Gill. “I feel like people are wanting to get out and get that social interaction, that human interaction.”
Watch more from ABC10: Holiday saving tips: Effective ways to budget when buying gifts
