• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer, December 7, 2005

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:

• 62.1 percent of those polled plan to purchase at least a book, CD, DVD, video, or video game
• 60.3% to buy clothing and clothing accessories
• 52.5%, gift cards
• 45.0%, toys
• 30.1 percent will include food or candy in their holiday gift purchases

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,

For more on this study, please visit the sponsor.