CONSUMER SPENDING STEADY
By Adnews Staff
A majority of independent store owners say their customers are spending the same or more this holiday season when compared to last year, according to a study done by the Retail Council of Canada. Almost six in 10 independent retailers polled said this season is either ahead or on par with last year. Forty per cent of the respondents said sales are lower. Retailers reporting higher sales are in the following categories: books and cards, drugstores, gifts and novelties, grocery, specialty foods, as well as toys and hobbies. Categories in which sales are lower are: computers and electronics, hardware, home and garden, shoes and specialty apparel. Among the most popular gifts this year are: candles, home decor products, Beanie Babies, dolls, Teletubbies, brand name clothing, books, compact discs and electronic toys.