Last updated on November 18th, 2015 at 04:00 pm
Nearly half (42 percent) of all regular Black Friday shoppers expect to shop more this holiday season as a result of lower gas prices, according to the results of a new consumer survey released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).
Shoppers also expect to have plenty of company in stores over the holiday season: 96 percent of Americans say that they expect Americans to shop at least as much—if not more—this holiday season as they did last year.
Overall, one in four Americans (25 percent) expect to shop more this year than last holiday season, when gas prices were approximately 70 cents more per gallon. Two in five (41 percent) shoppers age 18-34 say they are likely to spend more this year, while only 14 percent of those over age 50 expect to do so.
Consumers say they are posed to spend more this holiday season because of lower gas prices, and nine in 10 (87 percent) of holiday shoppers expect to stop at a convenience store, most often to purchase gas (77 percent of all travelers and 86 percent of regular Black Friday shoppers) or to use the bathroom (50 percent of all travelers and 51 percent of regular Black Friday shoppers).
Travelers will be buying plenty of beverages at convenience stores: 46 percent expect to purchase bottled water or a soda and 42 percent expect to purchase coffee or an energy drink to stay alert. They also plan to purchase food, with 45 percent expecting to buy a snack and 20 percent expecting to buy a sandwich or meal from a convenience store while traveling over the holidays.
Younger consumers age 18-34 are most likely to stop at convenience stores during holiday travels, whether to buy a snack (57 percent), a bottle of water or soda (55 percent), a coffee or energy drink (52 percent), a sandwich or meal (28 percent) or use the ATM (25 percent).
“Sales have been strong all year at convenience stores, and it looks like these strong sales will continue through the holiday season, especially with Millennials seeking out more fresh items in stores like salads, fruits or sandwiches,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS’ VP of strategic industry initiatives. “Consumers are optimistic about the economy and lower gas prices are contributing to this optimism.”
