TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News13) – Are you a frequent visitor to the shopping center? You’ve likely noticed how much stuff they’re packing in the aisles.
Inventory levels are the highest they’ve been since the start of the pandemic. This means that shoppers in Southern Arizona will get better deals.
The warehouses are crowded and the merchandise in stores is more than what they sell for at retail.
According to economists, to sell all the stuff in stores without sufficient demand, they will have to offer steeper discounts.
“Their warehouses are jammed full,” said Dale Rogers, a professor of supply chain and logistics at Arizona State University. “Most of them did not guess right about what they’d be selling this year.”
The garment racks can be found closer than ever. Display tables and shelves are crowded near cash registers.
Rogers claims that consumer tastes have changed significantly since the outbreak of the pandemic. Instead of buying clothing or footwear, people are now spending their money on entertainment and travel.
“Now there’s a lot of sales going on. Because retailers are trying to dump stuff,” said Rogers.
However, even with increased sales, consumer demand may not exist. A New survey It is evident that many Americans are looking to cut their holiday spending.
Are you one of the biggest ways shoppers are cutting down? Fifty-four percent of shoppers surveyed said they plan to spend less per person on gifts, 38% said they’re buying gifts for fewer people, and 25% plan to purchase used items as gifts to reduce holiday spending.
Instead of buying new, they’re going to give gifts from a secondhand store. Are you surprised?
“Not in today’s world. Because I think everyone’s just trying to save,” said Goodwill shopper Celina Martinez.
“I mean you can buy three or four pairs of pants and still be under $20,” said Matthew Flores, director of marketing with Goodwill of Southern Arizona.
Flores reports that Goodwill stores saw an increase in shoppers of around 100,000 year-over-year.
“Pretty much every month we’re beating our prior year by 10% or more,” said Flores. “And that’s consistent, that’s been the last year and a half.”
“Goodwill is where you can find unique things you wouldn’t find at Target or Walmart, stores that are popular to other people,” said 10-year-old Ella Olson who prefers vintage to new.
She’s not alone.
“Really, I think sustainability and the environment are on people’s minds these days,” said Flores.
Goodwill also has an online shop. It’s Goodwill’s fastest-growing segment. Flores took me to Tucson, where I found a warehouse that sold used treasures exclusively online.
“So, like a record, or a piece of fine art,” said Flores.
There are many different opinions on the subject of used gifts.
Do you think you would be unhappy if you were given a used gift by someone? Or, do you prefer to be happy?
“I would be happy,” said Olson.
“Christmas for me is very personal. So, I want them to get something that’s for me. Not something that belonged to somebody else,” said Goodwill shopper Gilda MacBain. “But I could see where people would do it.”
If vintage isn’t your thing, Rogers says off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Homegoods have been capitalizing on canceled orders and excess inventory. Meaning even better markdowns for customers.
Copyright 2022 KOLD news 13. All rights are reserved.