CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Economic changes regarding layoffs in the coal industry could impact retail stores this holiday shopping season, according to the West Virginia Retailers Association.
WVRA President Bridget Lambert said Tuesday they expect consumers to spend less money this year.
“This holiday season over all, and I’m not talking about just Black Friday weekend, is expected to raise 3.7 percent and that is projected down from 4.1 (percent) of last year,” she said.
Stores nationwide will be opening their doors earlier this year on Thanksgiving Day instead of during the early morning hours on Black Friday. Lambert said this will help retailers, but will really allow consumers to get a head start on their shopping.
“We believe that it’s just meeting the demand of the consumer. It lets people go out and shop if that’s what they like to do and if not, they can stay home and have family time or shop online,” said Lambert.
Digital shopping is expected to increase this season now that more stores are offering apps via smartphone or tablet, she said.
“More and more people are downloading apps on their phone for stores where they’ll post their deals right to your phone,” Lambert said. “A lot of digital shopping is changing the way that Black Friday and this whole weekend will be unfolding.”
To prepare for this weekend, Lambert said to plan out your shopping list, to set a budget and to try to stay within that range.
Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday will also be big shopping days this weekend.