This Monday is often referred to as "Cyber Monday" and Kentucky retailers are cautiously optimistic about the Christmas holiday shopping season. So says Steve McClain, communications and public affairs director for the Kentucky Retail Federation. McClain said inflation has been stubbornly high in certain areas and local shoppers may face some other financial challenges.
“You know housing costs are way up and things like that…health care.. and then you’ve also got to work in the fact student loan repayment has started so that’s playing a role in it too,” said McClain.
With that said, the national retail prediction for holiday spending calls for a three to four-percent increase over last year. McClain said many people starting shopping earlier to spread out spending over three to four months instead of just in December. And the Retail Federation official noted inflation has come down a bit in some areas comparing year to year.
McClain said some Kentucky retailers say they’re seeing more shoppers coming into stores. McClain said there’s just more of a comfort level going out these days, post-pandemic.
“And I think some people are just…it helped them realize just how important those local businesses were to the fabric of their community..so they’ve continued to support them. And they’re saying they’re seeing people coming out,” said McClain.
McClain added boutique-specialty stores with crafts native to Kentucky are often popular shopping spots this time of year.
* WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation
