WWJ-AM: Holiday shopping trends

Saturday, December 15 was likely to be one of the big shopping days ahead of Christmas followed by the following Saturday. The last day or two before Christmas retailers will be offering discounts up to 70 percent off items in all kinds of in-store promotions. Wayne State University Marketing Professor Jeff Stoltman says while online sales continue to grow there are still plenty of those who prefer shopping in person. As much as some people do not like being around other people, other people like being out in an experiential event like holiday shopping. It is still part of the tradition, part of the ritual. And it doesn’t have to make a lot of sense. It’s more emotional than anything, but people do enjoy it. Stoltman says that in the final days ahead of Christmas retailers will promote the purchase of gift cards and gift certificates, which for many shoppers is a legitimate Christmas gift option. 

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