Alabama sales to meet or slightly exceed 2019’s $13.25B; Consumers shop safe and early for Holiday 2020

Alabamians like the rest of the nation began their holiday shopping early to ensure they can get the gifts they want and that those gifts arrive on time.

>> Earlier start to holiday shopping season embraced by consumers
National Retail Federation release

Through November,  Alabama’s consumers had spent 6.44% more than they did in 2019, based on Alabama Revenue Department reports on all state taxed sales. That growth came despite the business disruptions caused by the current global pandemic. Nationally, year-over-year retail sales have grown for six straight months, according to NRF. November sales have given the season a solid start, the national group said. On Dec. 26, Mastercard SpendingPulse reported that holiday retail sales excluding automotive and gasoline increased 3% from Oct. 11 through Dec. 24.

Before the holiday shopping season began, retail analysts and economists agreed that this year’s holiday sales would grow modestly or be unchanged over holiday 2019. Unchanged would be good because spending in Alabama in 2019 during the traditional holiday shopping months of November and December reached an all-time high – $13.25 billion.

>> National Retail Federation projects at least 3.6% growth in holiday retail sales
>> Pandemic made this year’s holiday forecast most challenging ever

For the past decade and especially the past few years, shoppers moved away from the traditional Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) holiday shopping kickoff to Black November as their cue to begin shopping. The coronavirus has given shoppers reason to start their purchasing even earlier.

>> Holiday shoppers take advantage of early, Thanksgiving weekend dealsNRF Thanksgiving weekend shopping summary

Alabama’s retailers are well stocked and ready to serve their customers however they want to shop safely – in store, online, through apps or social media, delivery or pick up/curbside.

To recognize retailers contribution to our state’s economy and encourage Alabamians to continue to shop safely with retailers based or operating in Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey declared Oct. 13 as Alabama Retail Day throughout the state.

>> Alabama Retail Day Proclamation | Alabama Retail Day Video

The Alabama Retail Association encourages shoppers to keep Alabama businesses open by planning to safely Shop Alabama for the Holidays now and throughout the holiday shopping season.

Retailer and Restaurant Features:

Holiday Shopping News:

#KeepAlabamaOpen #ShopAlabamafortheHolidays

The Alabama Retail Association represents retailers, the largest private employer in the state of Alabama, before the Alabama Legislature and the U.S. Congress. Through sales of food, clothing, furniture, medicine and more, our 4,300 independent merchant and national company members touch almost every aspect of daily living. Since 1943, we’ve worked to promote what’s best for the retail industry in Alabama. Whether voicing the retail view when public policy is made, educating members about issues that impact them, negotiating rates for benefits and services or communicating the retail story, the Alabama Retail Association and its members are better together.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nancy King Dennis | 334.551.0643 | 334.868.2195 (c)| 800.239.5423

Originally posted at 7 a.m. Oct. 13, 2020; Last updated 3 p.m. Jan. 8, 2021