NEW YORK, November 12, 2015 – How much money are shoppers spending this holiday season? On Black Friday? Super Saturday? Do shopping centers prefer to hire Santas with real beards or will costume accessories suffice? How are omnichannel and technology trends influencing holiday shoppers?
Find out the scoop this holiday season via the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) “2015 Holiday Guide,” accessible via the website The Center of Shopping. The content heavy collection will serve as a tremendous resource throughout the 2015 season.
The site will act as a gift that keeps on giving, constantly updated with ICSC’s latest forecasts, spending data and trends. The guide is currently populated with data, visuals and commentary by ICSC’s Director of Research in addition to related content like ICSC’s holiday forecast.
While the data will cover every aspect of the season relating to the retail real estate industry, the pieces are connected by a common denominator. This holiday season, purchase- and purpose- driven individuals will be out in full force at America’s Marketplaces: shopping centers.
Longer Season, Deeper pockets
Holiday shoppers in particular will be willing to spend more, but will also be more knowledgeable about products. Enticed by promotions and faced with an elongated season, shoppers will start their purchases earlier, but complete them later. Shoppers will also be cannier about purchases as a result of online research, mobile devices and multiple channels of distributions.
‘Tis the giving season
The gain in spending ($702 in 2015 compared to $677 in 2014) is fueled in part by an increase in the number of people for whom shoppers will buy gifts. Also of note, approximately 40% of all adults in the United States intend to contribute to, or participate in, philanthropic events occurring at malls and shopping centers this holiday season.
Next up, Black Friday!
ICSC predicts 41% of holiday shoppers will hit the pavement on Black Friday – the most of any holiday shopping days. See how ICSC’s forecast plays out and be on the lookout for ICSC’s Black Friday survey next week, followed by results after the holiday.
Stay tuned to follow the season’s most important research and findings, in real time, on The Center of Shopping.
About ICSC
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials. The shopping center industry is essential to economic development and opportunity. They are a significant job creator, driver of GDP, and critical revenue source for the communities they serve through the generation of sales taxes and the payment of property taxes. These taxes fund important municipal services like firefighters, police officers, school services, and infrastructure like roadways and parks. Shopping centers aren’t only fiscal engines however; they are integral to the social fabric of their communities by providing a central place to congregate with friends and family, discuss community matters, and participate in and encourage philanthropic endeavors. For more information about ICSC visit www.icsc.com and for the latest news from ICSC and the industry go to www.thecenterofshopping.com.