LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Time is running out for holiday gift shopping as business owners say the holiday shopping rush is well underway.
The National Retail Federation predicts a record 159 million people will shop during the last weekend before Christmas. Local businesses say months of preparation go into the last couple of weekends in December, and the rush is already paying off.
“The prep is crazy…usually starts in July, bare minimum, for the holidays,” said Danielle Hastings, owner of Sylvia’s Sudsery.
While customers are coming through the doors in December, Hastings has been planning for the holiday shopping rush for at least five months. She says people who walk into the store have a common feeling.
“People are very stressed this holiday season, and I don’t blame them, so they do treat themselves to things as well as getting gifts,” Hastings said.
According to the National Retail Federation, holiday consumers are expected to spend an average of $890 on seasonal items.
Across from the Sudsery, Summit Comics and Games is also getting busier.
“I feel like it already started, most definitely. At least last week, if not the week before,” said Alexis McComber, one of the store’s employees.
“I mean, as soon as it hits December, I feel like people are in gear, ready to start holiday shopping,” McComber said.
McComber says in a world where many shoppers stick to big box stores and online retailers, small businesses offer something personal.
“I try to make everybody who comes in here feel as comfortable as possible. I want, my biggest goal is to make everybody leave happy, you know, even if they don’t buy something. You know, the biggest thing is giving them that experience,” McComber said.
Both Hastings and McComber say once the holiday rush ends, their workload doesn’t get much lighter. Planning for the next year is key.
“We focus on a lot of planning for the next year. What are our themes for each collection? What are we doing for Valentine’s Day?” Hastings said.
Experts recommend shopping at small businesses to boost the local economy and keep money circulating around Mid Michigan. For shoppers who continue to spend into the new year, many businesses offer post-holiday discounts to entice more customers.
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Holiday shopping rush underway as local businesses prepare for record weekend – WILX
