By Adam Carter, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

ST. PAUL (WCCO) — A local survey of metro area households reveals shoppers are ready to spend more money this holiday season.

Results of the ninth annual Holiday Spending Sentiment Survey from the University of St. Thomas have been released and it shows local households will increase holiday spending by an average of 6.8 percent.

“Consumers are more optimistic this year than they have been since 2006,” said St. Thomas marketing professor David Brennan. “A good sign, for sure.”

There were 306 Twin Cities households that participated in the online survey.

The survey also finds that more shoppers will be visiting malls and downtown shopping centers than in the previous few years, with the Mall of America being the top destination of those surveyed.

St. Thomas Marketing Professor David Brennan On Survey Results