Central Ohioans who have already completed their holiday shopping are on the cutting edge of the latest trend. And, one Ohio State University Marketing expert says early shopping is the biggest change in consumer shopping behaviour.
O-S-U Marketing professor, Rao Unnava says as shoppers hit the stores early this year, retailers are happy to accomodate them. "Surveys have shown that only about 25 percent of people wait until December to do their shopping which explains the huge sales that are taking place even today."
Unnave predicts a robust shopping season for Columbus area retailers with sales up slightly over last year. But, one local retail analyst disagrees. The president of Boulevard Strategies, Chris Boring predicts high gasoline prices and heating costs, the chance of lay-offs, and warmer than usual weather this fall paint a less than rosy scenario for local merchants.