IN THEIR WORDS... HOW HAVE YOU SEEN CONSUMER BEHAVIOR SHIFT OVER THE PAST YEAR? " Consumers are willing to spend if the items are good quality and/or support a good cause, but generally people are done dropping money on junk. " " Sales have decreased in personal purchases but remained the same for gifting. Preferences lean toward funny items and consumables. " " Purchases by the guests are more thought out and not as impulsive as in past years. " " Less personal impulse buying and less money spent on fashion. Consumers are watching their finances a bit more, but still spending. " " Purchases have been focused on smaller purchases versus more expensive, bigger items. We carry a variety of price points across categories to encourage bigger sales totals, even if it's made up of many lower-priced items. " " They are more careful with their money, but if they like it, they will buy it. They are all in for the experience you provide for them when they enter - and will spend more because you're giving it to them. " 94 WINTER 2025 GIFT SHOP® PLUS Opportunities FOR GROWTH Experiential Retailing and Community Engagement: 74% of respondents cited experiential retail (in-store events, workshops) as a significant area for growth . TOP CATEGORIES THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED GROWTH IN 2024: 1. Jewelry & Accessories 2. Apparel 3. Food & Gourmet 4. Kids & Baby 5. Beauty & Self-Care HOW ARE YOU Adapting to Changes IN CONSUMER BEHAVIOR? * Diversifying product offerings * Expanding online presence * Partnering with local vendors and artisans