MONTGOMERY-Holiday sales in Alabama could grow by double digits for the second year in a row.
Alabamians spent 11.6% more during November and December 2020 than they did during the same period in 2019, which was the highest holiday growth rate on record for our state.
So far in 2021, taxed sales in Alabama have grown almost 20% over 2020. For the three most recent months with numbers available, sales growth has been 12%.
As much as an 11% growth in 2021 holiday sales in Alabama over the traditional holiday spending months of 2020 could clearly happen, even though in early predictions national economists predict holiday sales will grow about 7% this year.
Seven percent growth would place taxed spending in Alabama in the last two months of the year at $14.796 billion, while 11% growth would put that total at $14.802 billion.
Either way, record spending in Alabama for the holidays is a given.
Alabama Retail Association’s holiday growth prediction is for all holiday taxed sales, including those from remote sellers.
As they did last year, Alabamians began their holiday shopping in October to ensure they could get the gifts they wanted and have them arrive on time. Because of the pandemic, manufacturing and delivery of goods continue to take longer than is optimal. The key is to plan ahead and shop early.
Alabama consumers, like the rest of the nation, will shop more in store this year than last, and they are expected to spend more on travel and entertainment this holiday season than last year.
As part of its Shop Alabama for the Holidays campaign, Alabama Retail urges shoppers to #KeepTheCheerHere by buying from retailers based or operating in Alabama. Take time to thank your local retailers for stocking their shelves as quickly as possible, contributing to the local economy and continuing to support their communities.
#KeepTheCheerHere #ShopAlabamafortheHolidays
Media Release/Nancy Dennis/The Alabama Retail Association
