How Americans feel about Thanksgiving dinner, Black Friday
Why wait until Black Friday? Shopping will start today in many places. But are consumers ready to spend?
Recently, Gallup calculated that the average American will spend $770 on presents this holiday season. That level is fairly similar to last year, with a modest increase in spending of about 3.5-3.7 percent. The National Retail Federation predicts 4 percent increases.
Estimated Christmas spending, November forecasts, 1999-2012
And what about when it comes to the big Thanksgiving meal? Well, Gallup asked Americans a few things about their turkey dinners.
“First of all, the majority of Americans would like to lose weight,” says Frank Newport, editor-in-chief at Gallup. “Especially women — 62 percent of women across this great land of ours say they would like to lose weight; 45 percent of men.”
Newport is quick to point out, however, that only 25 percent are seriously trying to lose weight at this time.
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