Alabama could see holiday sales grow by double digits for the second straight year, according to recent trends.
The months of November and December last year saw Alabamians spend 11.6% more than they did during the same period in 2019, which recorded the highest holiday growth rate in state history.
In 2021 thus far, the state has experienced taxed sales grow nearly 20% over 2020. The three most recent months for which statistics are available show sales growth sitting at 12%.
According to the Alabama Retail Association, Alabama consumers could grow 2021 holiday sales up to 11% over the previous year’s traditional holiday spending months. The estimates are much higher than those of early projections by national economists, who predicted sales would grow by approximately 7% in 2021.
A growth rate of 7% would place taxed spending in the Yellowhammer State for November and December at $14.796 billion, while 11% growth would bring the total to $14.802 billion. At any rate, Alabama is projected to record historic spending levels during the 2021 holiday season.
All holiday taxed sales and remote sellers are included in the Alabama Retail Association’s prediction.
The association noted that consumers began shopping for the holiday season in October so as to ensure their purchases were delivered in a timely manner. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing and delivery continue to experience a higher degree of delay than in years past. Given this fact, the association suggests Alabamians execute their shopping earlier than later.
Owner of Fairhope’s Fantasy Island Toys Ginger Milligan recommends consumers employ the aforementioned strategy.
“If you see something, go ahead and get it or take advantage of layaway,” she advised.
George Jones, owner of Snoozy’s Kids in Mountain Brook, agrees with the approach.
“If you see something, jump on it, wrap it and be done,” said Jones. “You’ll be glad you did, because when you come back it might not be here.”
The association noted that just as the rest of Americans, Alabamians will visit more brick and mortar stores in 2021 than they did last season. Additionally, individuals are expected to expend more dollars on entertainment and travel this holiday season than in 2020.
The Alabama Retail Association encourages Yellowhammer State residents to shop at stores operated and owned within the state to provide a boost to the local and state economy.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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