In-person shopping makes a comeback amid record-spending holiday season

Shoppers are ready to shell out cash this holiday season, as total spending this year is expected to be at least $24 billion higher than last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

Online shopping is still the biggest hit, but in-person shopping is making a comeback, and the NRF predicts that nearly half of all shoppers will head to department and discount stores to knock off their shopping lists.

Shop owners at the Galleria at Sunset in Henderson, Nevada, said it gets busier every year.

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Customers check out Bring it Back. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)

“Black Friday was great. We scored a goal, so it was better than last year. So everyone likes to try things out, too.” that’s what keeps the malls open,” said Bring it Back owner Brandon Nova.

Some spots in the Sunset Galleria see an influx of visitors in particular during the holiday season. Shop owners and employees said customers want that personal experience.

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A sign shows the prices for jumping on a mall trampoline. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)

“Most families have a reason to come here and make their children come here. This is the big reason they come to the mall,” said Crazy Bungee owner Duygu Beg.

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The chief trading officer said it hasn’t been this busy since the pandemic.

“I would say since COVID-19, this was the first holiday season where … we feel the holiday spirit. The customers, you can just feel them happy shopping, happy to be out, you know , feeling like the holiday season,” said Galleria Sunset General Manager Heather Cox.

The National Retail Federation predicts that nearly half of all shoppers will head to department or discount stores this year. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)

Was it? huge reference while shopping in person over the past four years, as consumers begin to re-enjoy the social aspect of going to the mall, according to the NRF.

“We, as consumers, don’t just shop because we need something,” says Mark Matthews, executive director of research at NRF and being with friends is a fun thing to do. And shopping is a fun activity for many people. So, you know, I don’t think we’ll ever see the end of shopping.”

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Gift cards are the most popular item on people’s wish lists this year, followed by clothing and accessories, then books and other media, according to the NRF.