Report: Twin Cities Holiday Spending Projected At Highest In 15 Years

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The holidays are quickly creeping up on us and so is the shopping season. The University of St. Thomas just released their Annual Holiday Spending Survey, with the season's forecast on what's hot and how much shoppers plan to spend.

According to the report, shoppers plan to spend the highest amount yet in 15 years.

"We've had 12 pretty good months in between then and now," researcher John Seltzer said. "So you're sitting here with your holiday spending budget and you're saying, 'Jeez, it's been a pretty good year.'"

Seltzer predicts $918 per household, up 8 percent from last year.

"You're looking at the foreseeable future, and it's looking pretty good, so you're probably going to be inclined to spend a little more," he said.

But, there may be some wiggle room since the survey was conducted several months ago.

"Well I'm reacting to the election and I'm hunkering down, because I don't know what to expect," shopper Joan Kelly said.

Over the past several years, malls and stores were going down while online shopping was on the way up. This year, things have leveled off and it's a virtual tie between the two.

"What I think that's indicative of is, retailers are probably doing a better job merchandising in-store," Seltzer said. "And what's really exciting is I think a number of established retailers are getting much better in working their online shopping to support their in-line shopping."

And there are always those shoppers who like to keep it local.

"And support small businesses in the area, so going to places like Bibelot and 'I Like You' are places I like to shop," shopper Rachel Schromen said.

Here's how survey shoppers ranked their gift choices:

1. Gift certificates
2. Travel and events
3. Cash