The holiday season is fast approaching, and North Bay business owners in California are expressing mixed feelings about the upcoming shopping season. While a national poll shows that 84% of small and medium retailers expect increased sales compared to last year, some North Bay businesses are not optimistic. Many customers use physical stores as showrooms and then order online, which hurts small businesses. Online shopping has accelerated during the pandemic, and brick-and-mortar shops have struggled to recover.
However, retailers are hopeful due to predictions of increased consumer spending, especially among younger shoppers. Social media platforms like TikTok are becoming popular for finding brands and gifts, and small businesses are leveraging social media to drive traffic and engage with customers. Collaboration between businesses and community-minded initiatives, such as staying open later, are being pursued to attract more shoppers. The fourth quarter is crucial for retailers, and Small Business Saturday and the first Friday of December are traditionally busy days.
Some businesses have experienced banner years in 2020 and 2021 but are now facing challenges due to economic factors. Despite the rise of online shopping, many customers still value the tactile experience and good customer service provided by local businesses. Some business owners believe there is a growing desire among people to return to retail stores.
Overall, there is cautious optimism for the holiday season, with early signs of increased gift purchases and holiday parties being booked. [c5e2d478]