Local holiday sales expected to increase 10%, Retailers Association of Massachusetts predicts

Mass. — Local holiday sales are expected to increase 10%, according to the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) survey of their membership.

Prices are up for everything from groceries to clothing, shoes, personal items and more.

“We are asking Massachusetts’ holiday shoppers to remember that how they invest their dollars makes a big difference in the local economy,” RAM President Jon Hurst said.

Inflation is the highest it has been in 40 years, and Hurst is asking consumers to invest their money in local communities, especially during the holiday season.

“Some sellers report experiences of customers now “buying down” on their purchases, even as the number of transactions continue at positive numbers. The inflation strain on families, and the increased costs on sellers,” RAM said.

Sixty percent of RAMs members are now selling online, as opposed to only 26% during the 2019 holiday season.

Online sales nationally are projected to reach 25% of sales made this holiday season, and RAM shops are expected to make up approximately 5% of their total holiday sales, meaning it is extremely important to shop in person.

RAM reports that their member sales made during the holiday season are up 16% in Massachusetts and 14.1% nationally due high demand from COVID related slower sales earlier in the year.

According to the NRF, national holiday sales are projected to hit approximately $942.6 billion to $960.4 billion in 2022.

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