More Americans are planning celebrations this July 4, even as they deal with the recession and recent increases in gasoline retails have caused many to curtail travel, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Independence Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.
With the holiday falling on a Saturday, 144 million people are expected to the July 4 holiday this year by attending or hosting a cookout, barbecue or picnic. (62.6 percent of those surveyed, compared to 61.2 percent last year.) That could be good news for c-store operators, many of whom have suffered through the wettest spring in recent memory.
After 18 days of rain out of the last 22 here in the NYC area, I'm more than ready to fill a few coolers with ice, soda, beer and wine and position my husband in front of the grill as family and friends gather.
But c-store have opportunities outside the ice cooler too. According to NRF's survey, 14 percent of consumers plan to purchase merchandise this month. I've already impulse-purchased a themed T-shirt for my preschooler and glow sticks to take to the fireworks.
Also, Monday's news that gas prices have apparently peaked may put a few more drivers on the road.
When the survey of more than 8,600 people was taken in early June, the recent uptick in gas prices had caused 44.5 percent of respondents to change their Independence Day plans.
A little sun could finally put people in the mood to move -- and spend.
Comments