Holiday spending expected to top $1 trillion, National Retail Federation says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Holiday spending is expected to top $1 trillion this year, a record number and around 4% higher than last year. That’s according to the National Retail Federation.

While most stores were closed Thursday, on Friday, many were open, and many shoppers in Atlanta were back at it.

“I’m always one for the deals. I enjoy deals. I can always find deals”, said Star Whitley. “Fifty percent off, 70% off, I like to catch those while everyone is still in the bed resting after Christmas.”

Whitley is not the only one. According to the National Retail Federation, 70% of consumers will be shopping this week. Most for two reasons: either the post Christmas sales or to use gift cards they received for Christmas.

And while many were shopping at Target on Friday- not, many seemed to be returning anything.

“I guess people are asking exactly what they want so they other put links and everyone knew what to buy so nobody’s returning anything,” said shopper Fernanda Alves.

Alves said even her kids had specific requests this year.

“They made letters for Santa so they knew what they wanted,” said Alves.

No returns for the Whitleys either.

“We did really good with that- no returns, so if you can get them what they really want then they keep it,” said Whitley.

According to the NRF, Holiday spending this year (between November 1st and December 31st) is expected to top one trillion dollars.

And the top gifts shoppers picked up this holiday season include clothing and accessories (48%), toys (30%), gift cards (27%), books, music, movies, video games and other media (25%) and personal care or beauty items (23%).

Whitley says she checked all those boxes for her family… and even managed to find some time ….in between …to rest.

“ I just wanted to rest, So I think I did have an opportunity to do that so that was a Merry Christmas for me just to rest,” said Whitley.

And if you do have any returns-it’s important to know each store’s policy before you buy your gifts- and always keep your receipts.