Researchers at the
University of St. Thomas have issued what they call an "optimistic forecast" about the upcoming holiday shopping season.
The 10th annual
Holiday Spending Sentiment Survey provides longitudinal data on Twin Cities holiday shopping trends , allowing researchers to see how this season stacks up against the recession-dampened climate of 2008 and 2009.
According to the survey, household spending for holiday gifts is predicted to be 3.4 percent more in the Twin Cities this year, compared to last year. This also marks a large rebound from a few years ago, the researchers noted.