Phil Rist Consumers Quotations

The Super Bowl is becoming big business for retailers. In addition to purchasing hats and snacks, consumers will be purchasing high-end merchandise, like TVs and entertainment centers, which quickly raises total spending figures.

The Easter holiday signifies the kickoff to spring, for both consumers and retailers. As Easter approaches, we will begin to see more pastel colors and seasonal merchandise hitting the shelves.

Though many consumers are more financially comfortable now than they were a year ago, they are still looking for great prices and savings on gifts and everyday merchandise. The retailers that succeed this holiday season will be those that continue to focus on sales and promotions to drive traffic.

Many consumers were driven to the stores last weekend by great sales on electronics and toys. Now that many of the most popular electronics are affordable for the average shopper, people are picking up DVD players and digital cameras as gifts, but also for themselves.

Taking a look at shopping patterns, we see that consumers are either taking advantage of bargains to purchase items for themselves, or perhaps they are subconsciously buying items for others that they would like to receive themselves.

Though a large percentage of shopping has been completed, many sales have not been recorded due to heavy purchasing of gift cards, which are not recorded until merchandise is redeemed. Most consumers will have their shopping completed by Christmas Day, but will head out after Christmas to take advantage of discounted merchandise and spend gift cards.

The popularity of gift cards is soaring among consumers of all ages.