According to the NRF 2005 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, cash has replaced credit cards as the second most-popular payment method, as 28.5 percent of shoppers plan to primarily use cash during the winter holidays, up from 25.9 percent last year. NRF continues to project that holiday sales will increase 5.0 percent this year to $435.3 billion.
NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin, said "Debt-conscious consumers will prefer to pay out-of-pocket for gifts this year and are making a conscious decision to reduce their reliance on credit cards."
While debit/check cards (34.3%) will remain the favored form of payment this holiday season, fewer people will be relying on credit cards when purchasing holiday merchandise (28.2% vs. 29.5% in 2004). And, 9.1% of shoppers will be writing checks at the register.
According to the survey:
With 45.0 percent of shoppers purchasing toys this year, Barbie will be the most popular toy for girls, while video games will be the most popular toy for boys,
Top Toys 2005 | ||
Rank | for Girls | for Boys |
1 | Barbie | Video Games |
2 | Bratz | Star Wars Merchandise |
3 | Dora the Explorer | Legos |
4 | Disney Princess | Hot Wheels |
5 | Video Games | Spiderman Merchandise |
6 | I-Pod/MP3 Players | Xbox |
7 | My Little Pony | Thomas the Train |
8 | Leap Frog | Batman Merchandise |
9 | Elmo | Bicycle |
10 | American Girl | PlayStation 2 |
Source:NRF and BIGresearch, November 2005 |
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