Northwest Iowa — Area retailers may see profits rise six-to-seven percent in the holiday shopping season ahead compared to last year, but consumers may have several elements working against them.
Economist Ernie Goss says we’re facing higher interest rates and higher prices for some imported goods due to the trade wars. Goss warns consumers not to overdo it.
A good way to limit spending is to use cash, not plastic, for all of your purchases, big and small, so you can keep a tighter reign on expenditures.
Goss predicts online holiday purchases will rise up to 15-percent from last year and he notes many retailers are offering free shipping to compete. Goss says some Millennials are shifting away from buying clothes and gadgets and are spending money on experiences, like trips. While these types of purchases don’t factor into retail spending, Goss says they will provide a similar boost to spending on holiday travel.
