AAA: One In Four Floridians Say They Will Spend More On Gifts During 2017 Holiday Season

By  //  November 24, 2017

boost in spending comes from strong labor market

Over one in four Floridians say they will spend more on gifts in 2017, according to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse survey. The boost in spending comes from a strong labor market, which is generating higher incomes and boosting consumer confidence. Overall, AAA has seen a 40% increase in shoppers who say they will spend more money on gifts this holiday season.

AAA Consumer Pulse Survey: More Consumers Will Use Their Phones to Shop

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Over one in four Floridians say they will spend more on gifts in 2017, according to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse survey. The boost in spending comes from a strong labor market, which is generating higher incomes and boosting consumer confidence.

Overall, AAA has seen a 40% increase in shoppers who say they will spend more money on gifts this holiday season.

When Will They Shop?

November is the busiest time of year for holiday shopping, according to AAA research. The majority (80%) of consumers will begin their holiday shopping before December. The top shopping days for consumers are all in November: Black Friday (52%), Cyber Monday (51%), and Thanksgiving Day (20%). The average Florida shopper plans to spend $951 on gifts – a spending increase of 9% over last year.

“According to our research, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are expected to be the busiest shopping days,” said Belinda Dabrowski, managing director, AAA Partnership Development, The Auto Club Group. “Gift cards and apparel will be at the top of most lists this holiday season.”

Gifts Consumers Want Under the Tree

• Gift Cards (27%)
• Cash (23%)
• Clothing (11%)
• Travel (9%)
• Electronics (7%)

Gift cards, cash, and clothing are the top gifts people want this holiday season. The top selling gift cards are Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowes, according to AAA.

“Gift cards can take some of the stress out of holiday shopping,” said Dabrowski. “Purchasing a gift card allows the recipient to purchase items they enjoy and the savvy shopper can also enjoy some benefits as well. Many companies, including AAA, have some great perks for gift card buyers this holiday season.

AAA members who purchase gift cards at AAA branches in Florida can earn 5 percent in AAA Dollars, which reduce membership renewal costs. Those who purchase gift cards online at the AAA Gift Card Center can earn 2 percent in AAA Dollars1, plus receive free digital personalization.

More Consumers Will Use Their Phones to Shop

More than one in three (36%) will use their smartphone to purchase gifts this year, a 16% increase over 2016. Online shopping continues to gain ground this holiday season as 74% of shoppers say they will do at least half of their shopping on the web.

Cyber Monday will be the second busiest shopping day of the year behind Black Friday. More than half (51%) of shoppers plan to buy gifts on the Monday after Thanksgiving, and retailers are responding. Holiday vendors, hungry for a piece of the online shopping share, are advertising on social media, and optimizing their websites and apps for mobile phones and tablets.

“Shoppers are increasingly drawn to the convenience of online shopping,” said Josh Carrasco, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group.

“Shopping online allows people to avoid the crowds and shop at their convenience. AAA members can find even deeper discounts and rewards opportunities by going to the AAA Dollars Online Mall at AAA.com/Onlinemall or using the new AAA Mobile app.”

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How to Save on Holiday Shopping

Utilize Discounts – Search for retailer coupons or join mailing e-mail lists for exclusive discounts. Savvy shoppers looking for a bargain this holiday season can utilize the benefits of membership organizations like AAA. AAA members receive instant discounts at many retail locations including Reebok Outlet Stores, LensCrafters and Sprint.

AAA members can also earn AAA Dollars online, on top of any online offers, at over 80 name-brand partners, including Walmart.com, iTunes, Target.com, Kohl’s, QVC, and Macy’s through AAA.com. Earned AAA Dollars are like reward points which can be used to lower the renewal price of your AAA membership.

Shop Online – Shoppers can easily compare retailers online and find the best price for the products they want to purchase. Many retailers also offer exclusive online discounts and coupons through their app or website. Shoppers can download the new AAA Mobile app to find retailers that offer additional discounts for AAA members in their area. Just visit AAA.com/mobile to download.

Shop your budget – Set a spending limit before you start your gift purchasing. Nearly half of consumers (47%) will use a credit card for purchases this year. If using a credit card, use one that offers rewards that can help defray the cost of gift giving. Credit cards such as the AAA Dollars Plus Mastercard offer 3% AAA dollars on AAA and travel purchases; 2% on grocery, gas, and drug store purchases; and 1% on other everyday purchases.

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