Christmas shopping expected to be up in Georgia

ATLANTA — This year is shaping up to be a potentially good shopping season for Georgia merchants, according to a survey of state shoppers.

AAA’s Consumer Pulse survey has found that one of four Georgia shoppers surveyed said they will increase their spending this holiday season, which unofficially kicks off today on Black Friday.

November, according to AAA data, is the busiest shopping period of the year for shoppers, with 80 percent of consumers saying they have begun their shopping before December starts. The average Georgia shopper is expected to spend $946 on Christmas gifts this season, with the heaviest shopping days on Black Friday (52 percent plan to shop) and Monday (known as Cyber Monday), during which 51 percent of consumers surveyed said they will make purchases.

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

Asked in the survey what they’d most like to see under the tree this year, consumers opted for small packages. Gift cards were on the list for 27 percent, while another 23 percent said they wanted cash.

“Gift cards can take some of the stress out of holiday shopping,” Dabrowski said. “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.”

After the gift cards and cash, consumers said they next wanted clothing, 11 percent; travel, 9 percent; and electronics, 7 percent.

One piece of electronics that’s getting more of a holiday workout this year is the ubiquitous cellphone. More than a third (36 percent) said they will use their smartphone to buy gifts, up 16 percent from last year, the AAA survey found.

“Shoppers are increasingly drawn to the convenience of online shopping,” Garrett Townsend, the Georgia public affairs director for AAA, said. “Shopping online allows people to avoid the crowds and to shop at their convenience.”

AAA also offered tips for those looking to rack up holiday savings:

— Utilize discounts: Search for retailer coupons or join mailing/email lists for exclusive discounts;

— Shop online: Compare retailers online and find the best prices for the products that you’re looking to purchase;

— Shop your budget: Set a spending limit before you start your gift purchasing and stick to it.