Alabamians expected to spend almost $18.75B for the holidays in 2023

Alabamians are on a holiday spending spree that’s expected to be around $18.75B in 2023—a 4% increase over last year’s spending, according to the Alabama Retail Association. Keep reading for all the details.

Holiday shopping in Alabama by the numbers: 2021-23

Let the numbers do the talking:

• In November and December 2022, Alabamians laid out 5.6% more than they did during those same months in 2021.
• Through August 2023, taxed sales in Alabama grew 5.5% over the same months in 2022.
• According to Alabama Retail, sales should continue to grow through the end of the year, with the pace of growth slowing to 4% and possibly 3.5% depending on interest rate hikes and/or government budget uncertainty.
• If growth stays steady at 4%, taxed spending should hit the $18.74B mark this year, compared to $18B in the final two months of 2022.

These predictions include all taxed sales, including those from remote sellers.

Shop local, #ShopAlabama

The Alabama Retail Association and The Bama Buzz encourage everyone to support the local retailers that are the lifeblood of our communities.

“The stores down the street or around the corner support your community in big and small ways daily. By shopping with retailers based in your community or our state, you contribute to the health of your local and state economies.”

—Rick Brown, President, Alabama Retail Association

Food is a big winner in Alabama holiday spending

According to the National Retail Association, the average family plans to spend $875 this holiday season, and about 29% of this will go to food, candy and decorations.

Check out these guides to help you plan your Alabama holiday spending, and stay tuned for more:

• Here are 26 of the best restaurants across Alabama—according to our audience
• See the 2023 Retailers of the Year in Alabama
• Bham Now’s Local Business Guide
• Bham Now Food + Drink Guides
• Hville Blast Food Stories
• 17 places you need to shop this small business Saturday in Huntsville

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