As we head into the holiday season, shoppers in South Dakota appear to be bucking at least one national trend. Across most of the country, national media is reporting consumer optimism as soft. But in the 605, retailers are telling a bit different story.
“We routinely survey our members to see how things are looking for their businesses,” said Nathan
Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Assoc. “Resoundingly in quarter three, our
members said that the mood of their customers was positive.”
Survey results of 460 association members show nearly 80% of business owners said their customers
were upbeat, optimistic, or confident. Less than 1% reported pessimistic or downbeat customers; the
balance was tagged as careful or prudent.
That data tracks with what Brennan Ewald with Forte, a home décor, furniture, and gift store in Yankton, is
seeing. “Our customers are positive and intentional,” said Ewald. “Making the holiday special for kids seems to be
a perennial theme; gifts for kids are going well this season.”
SD Retailers members say gifts priced for giving are at the top of holiday shopping lists. Self-care items like
eye masks and bath bombs remain popular, as well as some quirkier items like make-your-own crocheted
animal kits and color-changing mugs that react to hot liquid.
In home goods, many shoppers are decorating earlier and leaving holiday decorations up longer.
“People have been especially interested in holiday items that light up or have movement,” explained Janet
Scherbenske, owner of Found, a lifestyle boutique in Rapid City. “Our canvas lit plaques and light-up
swirling glitter water lanterns are seasonal favorites. Our seasonal fragrance collections are popular
categories also.”
“South Dakota businesses continue to curate the goods people need and want for the holidays. It’s
amazing the interesting gifts you can find in our businesses -small and large,” concluded Sanderson.
Thanks SD Retailers Assn.