Page 18 - Indulge November 2017

FORSOMETHING

EVERYONE

YOUR INSIDE SCOOP ON GIFT GIVING
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

By Linda Doell and Shannon Sigafoos

Want to give a gift that has Shoppers are savvy, often checking
that wow factor? out a store’s website and product
If you’re like most people, you’ve pages before heading to the brick-and-
been scouring the web for ideas mortar store to buy the item.
for the perfect gift. Something that
might not be as over-the-top as While the big box stores each have
what’s found in the Neiman Marcus’ their lists of the must-have items this
Christmas Book, but perfect for that holiday season, here in the Lehigh
special someone. Valley, unique gifts bought from local
businesses are the popular choice.
People are willing to pay more for
those perfect gifts, too. Spending “The trend seems to be a gift that
is expected to be up 3.8 percent makes an impact that is not only a
over last year, with consumers unique gift — it’s something that tells
spending an average $728.40
on gifts and other holiday-related
items, according to the International
Council of Shopping Centers’ annual
survey of buying trends.

THE TOP FOUR CATEGORIES FOR PURCHASES THIS YEAR ARE:

TOP GIFT CARDS 66%

GTHIISFYTEASR APPAREL/FOOTWEAR 54%

18 | INDULGE LV • NOVEMBER 2017 TOYS AND GAMES 46%

ELECTRONICS/DEVICES 37%

Source: The International Council of Shopping Centers