Record Holiday Spending Now Expected This Year in Minnesota

How much money are you planning on spending this holiday season? A new survey says it'll likely be more than last year and could be record-setting in Minnesota.

There are just some things we can count on here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Like one of our pro sports teams completely falling apart and losing in the playoffs. Or Mother Nature giving us at least one steamy, unbearably hot, and humid day during the State Fair.

Another thing we can always count on is spending money during the holidays. Whether you head to the Mall of America in Bloomington or shop online, Minnesotans love celebrating the holidays. So it really shouldn't be a surprise, then, that Minnesotans are apparently set to spend more money than we ever have before getting ready for the 2024 holiday season.

ALSO INTERESTING: Here Are Minnesota's Most Popular Baby Names For 2024

That's the word from a new holiday shopping survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF). And the amount it says we're going to spend could set a new record. According to the NRF, consumers here in Minnesota and across the country are going to shell out an average of $902 per person this holiday season. That amount is about $25 per person more than last year and $16 higher than the previous record set in 2019, the NRF said.

Get our free mobile app

Understandably, most of that money here in the Bold North will be spent buying gifts. The NRF survey says of the $902 average that shoppers are expected to spend, about $641 (71 percent) is earmarked for gifts for family, friends, co-workers, and more, according to the NRF survey.  The rest of that $902 will be for seasonal items like food or candy, decorations, and greeting cards.

So just what will we be buying when we spend all that money? The NFR survey says gift cards are still the most popular item on many Minnesotans' lists, followed by clothing and accessories, books and other media, and personal care or beauty items.

The NFR also says a lot of Minnesota holiday shoppers have already started: 45 percent will be browsing and buying before November even gets here. It also noted that online shopping is still the favorite in Minnesota at 57 percent, followed by shopping at department stores at 46 percent, shopping at grocery stores and supermarkets also at 46 percent and discount stores at 45 percent.

SEE ALSO: These Familiar Winter Warnings Are Now Extinct in Minnesota

Now if your shopping this season includes a trip to the Mall of America, which is always festively decked out for the holidays, be sure you DON'T bring along any of the following items, because they've been banned from MOA!

Listen to Curt St. John & Samm Adams
Weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5