The National Retail Federation estimates a 10% decline in Holiday spending in 2013. The average family is expected to spend $704 in 2013 on gifts, down from $770 in 2012. Digging deeper within the numbers, lower income families making less than $30K per year are expected to increase spending (by 20% to $467) while middle and upper middle income families making $30K and $75K+ are expected to rachet holiday budgets by 8-10%. Retailers are feeling the pressure and responding with aggressive (early promotions). The holiday shopping season in 6 days shorter in 2013. Monica discussed this and more with Neil Cavuto and Melissa Francis.
Monica Mehta 