holiday shopping

Alabamians are predicted to open their wallets and bank accounts for $18.5 billion in holiday spending this year, according to the Alabama Retail Association. State economy experts suggest getting orders in as early as possible to give plenty of time for shipping, with an emphasis on shopping local.

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas shut down Tuesday when the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for the first time since 1977. Those ports, like the one in Mobile, handle roughly half of the nations’ cargo from ships. A lengthy shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages.

Tree farms in Alabama and across the country seem to be keeping steady, even with inflation. The National Christmas Tree Association says most businesses aren’t increasing their prices for live trees this year. That’s even with inflation going up three percent since last year.

Holiday shoppers can purchase local and regional art for the holidays in Tuscumbia. The Winter Art Market is taking place at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art. Organizers of the event say 60 artists have booths inside museum through Saturday, December 23.

Consumers are scouring the internet for online deals as they begin to cap off the five-day post-Thanksgiving shopping bonanza with Cyber Monday. The website of the City of Orange Beach is spotlighting local businesses offering deals, including the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo which is featuring discounts at its gift shop.

The Auburn Arts Association and the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the 17th Annual Holiday Arts Sale at the Frank Brown Recreation Center and the Harris Center on Saturday, November 18th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alabamians may be shopping a little less over the holiday season this year. The average family in the U.S. will spend about nine hundred dollars between now and the New Year. But, the Alabama Retail Association expects slightly fewer trips to mall or the internet over November and December.

The holiday shopping season is officially underway. Spending in Alabama is projected to increase from last year’s record high by more than fifteen percent. This means almost eighteen billion dollars is expected be spent in November and December.

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