Holiday shoppers could spend more on gifts in 2025

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- New estimates from the National Retail Federation find that shoppers could spend roughly 4% more this holiday season.

Matthew Macon, who lives in Raleigh, says he has been thinking about the logistics of giving gifts and getting them at a good price.

"I have a few concerns about the holiday season," said Macon. "One of them is like making sure that I get my packages on time."

He's also worried about cost because of tariffs.

NC State Economist Rob Hansfield, who is the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Cooperative, says many companies stockpiled inventory in the summer and as we get closer to Christmas, tariffs could impact holiday shopping.

"You might have a little less variety of things to shop from as importers have been more selective on what goods they want to bring in," said Hansfield.

Shoppers are encouraged to shop early.

"You're going to have the best selection if you shop early. Prices likely will not be going down," said Hansfield.

He says people will likely feel the real impact of tariffs in January.

Until then, some people are planning to stay the course this holiday season.

"I usually think about (holiday shopping) around Thanksgiving, a little after Thanksgiving," said Jason Allen.

Macon says he's going to try to shop at local spots.

"Like a few consignment stores around the area, see if I can get a lot of things local before I start looking elsewhere," said Macon.

ABC11 asked Hansfield about the current supply chain. He says there does not appear to be any disruptions either from the government shutdown or planes that have been grounded in the wake of the fatal Kentucky plane crash.