As the holiday season quickly approaches, the Florida Retail Federation has some good news about this seasons’ shopping forecast.
According to Randy Miller, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Association, Florida's holiday sales are expected to exceed the national average and increase by 4 percent from last year compared to the national average of 3 to 3.5 percent.
“The future of retail continues to look bright in the state, as more people have jobs, more people have money in their pockets, and more people are feeling good about their economic situation," Miller said.
Miller said that Florida shoppers are expected to spend around $935 per person this year - $590 on gifts for friends, family and coworkers, $270 for decorations, flowers and greeting cards and $140 on themselves.
He said nationwide, consumers are expected to spend slightly less than last year, but overall holiday sales are still expected to increase because there are more shoppers.
The top five categories for items being purchased this year are gift cards, apparel and footwear, toys and games (not including video games and apps), men and women's accessories, cosmetics and fragrances and electronics.
