Breaking

Nearly Half of North American Shoppers Plan Bigger Holiday Budgets Amid Rising Expectations

Consumer spending intentions have surged ahead of the peak season, with 43% of North American shoppers planning increased expenditures compared to just 20% a year earlier, according to a Kenco survey of more than 350 consumers conducted in August.

The uptick reflects either improved financial circumstances or concerns about price increases, said Frank Loewen, senior vice president of retail operations at the Chattanooga-based logistics provider.

Heightened spending intentions come paired with demanding service standards. Three-quarters of respondents expect free shipping as a baseline. Meanwhile, 48% demand two-day delivery, 47% require free returns, and 40% expect real-time tracking.

Import tariffs concern 45% of consumers surveyed. Most holiday inventory has already cleared ports, with August marking the year's busiest import month.