American holiday shoppers plan to spend more in 2019 than they have in years, according to National Retail Federation’s Yearly October Holiday Consumer Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. Consumers are slated to spend an average of $1,047.83 this year, which is up 4 percent from last year’s $1,007.24.
Included in the holiday budget are three main groups. U.S. consumers plan to splurge the most on gifts for family, friends and co-workers at an average of $658.55. They will spend second most on non-gift items—which includes food, decorations, flowers and greeting cards—at an average of $227.26. The final main category is another non-gift purchase. Shoppers plan to benefit from all the promotions and deals during the holidays, spending an additional $162.02.
The poll surveyed 7,782 adult consumers from October 1 to 10. There was a margin of error plus or minus 1.2 percentage points.
