Watertown— If you've recently been out shopping for that perfect gift, then you're well aware how busy the Malls and Stores have been across Northern New York. North Country retailers are reporting a robust holiday shopping season so far this year.
With Christmas just 3 weeks away, ABC50 asked the question, "What's hot for the holidays?"
According to Ronald Patnode, the Marketing and Specialty Leasing Manager of the St. Lawrence Centre Mall, “Electronics and flat screen televisions, certain types apparel such as snow jackets and warm weather apparel. Canadians are a big part of our shopping. They have indicated that products are more interesting as far as quality, variety, and the pricing, which is much better in the United States. So, we see a huge number of Canadian shoppers. Roughly, 30 percent of our traffic comes from the Canadians.”
In general, the heaviest trend in the North Country reflects the national trend that shoppers are gravitating towards electronics.Items like Smart Phones, iPads, and televisions have been hot items for holiday gifts this year.
According to the Retail Council of New York State, "Extended shopping hours and the presence of mobile devices seems to have enhanced in-store sales for many retailers," said Retail Council President and Chief Executive Officer James R. Sherin.
Perhaps the hottest item again this year is the all encompassing Gift Card. A recent survey by the National Retail Federation showed that 6 out of 10 shoppers will be purchasing at least one Gift Card this year. According to the same survey, almost 25% of those polled said they would like to receive jewelry this year. The most since 2008.
