More than a quarter (26%) of shoppers say they plan to shop more in-person this holiday season compared to previous years, according to one alleged survey. 

I found stories about the survey, but no link to the survey or mention of who did the survey. Hence the word “alleged” in the first paragraph.

This time of year, the Great Bend Tribune typically reminds readers of the benefits of shopping locally. It supports local businesses so they can continue to stay open. It puts money back into the local economy. It connects us with our community. It creates local jobs. There are some great items in local stores that can’t be found anywhere else. You can examine items before you buy them — even try them on for size in the case of clothing.

Back to the survey(s).

We read that 92% of the adults in the United States plan to celebrate a winter holiday this year — be it Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or something else. Nearly half (45%) planned to browse and buy items before November.

Many younger shoppers, we’re told, hit the thrift stores when holiday shopping. If you have some like-new toys or other items, these stores can make good use of your donation.

The National Retail Federation is credited with a consumer survey that led to this report: Of the $902 shoppers plan to spend this holiday season, approximately $641 is on gifts for family, friends, co-workers and more, an increase from $620 last year. The remaining $261 will be spent on other seasonal items such as food or candy, decorations, greeting cards and other holiday items.

One debatable survey item claimed that 78% of shoppers fear for their safety and security while shopping in person during the holidays. The survey was by retail mobile communications platform Theatro. The reason I say this statement is debatable is because the only security threat to shoppers I recall after years of reading police logs came from people who left their packages or anything valuable sitting in their car – sometimes unlocked – and became the victims of theft.

Following the online rabbit hole to learn more about Theatro’s survey, I read about a more realistic (in my opinion) concern: Store employees don’t always feel secure. New York and California have recently passed laws aimed at better safety for retail workers. I hope shoppers will remember to be civil toward each other and to the people who wait on them.

Explore Great Bend has promotions going on all month. Each Saturday and on Black Friday is the time to get into the stores, enjoy the themes of each week and enjoy some shopping finds. Buy local and register to win cash.

There may be a few long checkout lines or crowded parking lots in the coming weeks, but Great Bend is an ideal location for holiday shopping. Not too big. Not too small. Downtown (and the rest of the town) awaits.