What’s it going to be under the tree this year?

Here is a look at the what, when and how of consumer spending this year as the experts see it.

As recession, new normal behavior and other changes effect today’s consumer, one has to wonder what it’s going to look like under the tree this year. We have compiled a brief set of information from many experts including Google and the NY Times to help answer this question.

Consumer Top 10

According to a recent article in the NY Times, the Top Ten list for consumer purchases this year is as follows:

Percent of people who plan to buy
#1			Apparel	49%
#2			Toys	34%
#3			Movies	29%
#4			Books	28%
#5			Electronics	24%
#6			Accessories	22%
#7			Music	21%
#8			Games	20%
#9			Fragrances	19%
#10			Food	18%

While food is at the bottom of the top ten we still think it is underestimated. In the Apparel category, savvy consumers will often choose clothes and accessories made in America and/or made from eco-friendly materials when available.

Consumers are looking for VALUE, but that doesn’t necessarily mean cheap. It does mean that consumers expect to get what they pay for and are looking for quality products which are made well, last longer and perform above average. We have too much of the poor quality “stuff” for too long.

When the Spending Will Happen

According to a recent Google 72% of consumer will do their shopping between Thanksgiving and Mid December. Many retailers and suppliers have been running with ultra-thin inventories of merchandise and supplies, so availability for replenishments or large last minute orders will be subject to availability and not all suppliers will be willing to risk a large order that takes away from their normal customer base. So established relationships with your vendor(s) are an important asset and can be the difference between the “haves” and the “have nots”.

Consumers responding to a recent Google/OTX Consumer Intentions Survey from September said that the majority of their holiday purchasing will take place during Thanksgiving weekend and during early/mid December. In fact, 32% of holiday shoppers plan to do the majority of their purchasing Thanksgiving weekend, while 40% indicated they would do so in early and mid-December. (The chart and data is accredited to Eric Lopez at the Google Retail Blog).

Packaging is Key

Eco-Friendly packaging is becoming more and more “expected”. While not everything in the top ten list is going to be wrapped as a gift, there are a few notable exceptions.

Most all Apparel boxes these days are 100% recycled, and even the glossy boxes are treated with a water-based varnish, but most people opt for the uncoated white or recycled kraft boxes. Tissue paper from Nashville Wraps is all 100% recycled and that is different than most other tissue available.

Gift Wrap Paper is now available with a much higher percentage of recycled content than ever before. Even the consumer rolls at the big department stores are doing better at recycled content and made in America. The selection of recycled Gift Wrap at Nashville Wraps is probably the best for any wholesaler and is indicative of our commitment to eco-Friendly packaging as a part of our registered Green Way® product line.

Food packaging has to be broken down as to what type of food we are talking about. Candy and confectionery packaging is certainly different and more decorative than take-out packaging. Packaging for food can be decorative, display, take-out, colorful, plain, reusable and more. Most all packaging for food, regardless of the type, is recyclable and the majority is made from recycled materials. Some packaging requires the use of a food-safe barrier such as clear cello or shrink wrap, while others are approved for direct contact.

For more articles and info on the retail economy see: Nashville Wraps blog