Retail sales expected to grow 5.7%, the highest increase since 2011
With summer now a season of the past, let’s refocus our happy thoughts on what’s to come: SNOW and the holiday season! This year’s holiday season should be an extra cheery for U.S. retailers. Retail sales during the holidays are now expected to significantly exceed original projections. While initial reports projected an impressive 3.2% increase in retail sales, the latest numbers show retail sales increasing at a whopping 5.7% year over year, the highest increase in almost 5 years! Additionally, 83% of shoppers still prefer to shop at retail. Make sure you are engaging local shoppers this holiday season.
Although the growth in ecommerce sales isn’t expected to increase year over year (13.9% increase this year vs. 14.4% in 2014), ecommerce sales are expected to make up a larger portion of the $885 billion in total holiday retail sales. Ecommerce sales are expected to make up 9% of total sales, or roughly $80 billion. 
So, just who will be having an extra joyful holiday season? The answer: Mobile-friendly retailers. With consumers growing more comfortable using their smartphones, site traffic, product research, and purchases from a mobile device have skyrocketed – expecting to rise 32.2% in 2015, and resulting in almost $28 billion in total sales.
But while the upcoming holiday season is expected to be impressive for everyone, the retailers who will benefit the most are the ones who are making the extra push to beat competitors and stand out in front of consumers. Learn how at ownerIQ’s session in Manchester, NH on September 29th.
For more information, visit www.ownerIQ.com or email [email protected].
SIA’s Local Workshops in Manchester, NH 9/29 and Westminster, CO 10/1 have been postponed. Stay tuned for re-scheduling details! Find upcoming webinars through the Digital Hub on the Industry + Intelligence 365 program page.