Study: Local holiday shopping higher than rest of U.S.

Cincinnati retail spending is expected to grow by nearly 6 percent this holiday season over the same time period last year, according to a recent University of Cincinnati report released by Focus On Ohio's Future.

Additionally, Cincinnati's growth is expected to be higher than every other major metropolitan area in Ohio, according Focus On Ohio's Future, the public research arm of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants.

In comparison, Columbus' retail spending is expected to grow nearly 5 percent, followed by Toledo and Youngstown at nearly 4 percent each.

"As a daily barometer of America's economic vitality, Ohio's retailers are pleased to learn that Ohioans have the confidence and ability to continue their time-honored holiday gift-giving traditions," said Gordon Gough, president and CEO of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, in a news release.

Retailers: Come Downtown for holiday shopping, events

This is a trend seen nationwide. The National Retail Federation released a similar report predicting nearly 4 percent growth of holiday shopping nationwide.

Michael Jones, a professor at the University of Cincinnati Economics Center, said in a news release that consumers nationwide have more confidence in the economy compared to last year, which is aiding the retail growth.

Jones also said retail spending may increase this year is because gas prices are 25 percent lower than last holiday season. As a result, consumers have more disposable income to spend shopping, he said.

He did point to several new sales tax hikes, including one in Hamilton County, but said that they don't seem to be discouraging shoppers.

Local retailers said they weren't surprised by the report and that they're expecting a very good holiday shopping season.

Anthony Graziani, who owns two Over-the-Rhine retailers with his wife Maria, said the holidays are one of the busiest, most-profitable times for his store, Article. The store, which opened on Vine Street in September 2013, specializes in high-quality clothing for men.

"That could be expected, but I think that is due in part because of the types of clothes we sell," Graziani said of holiday shopping. "It's the holidays and many men want to buy high-quality clothes for parties and events."

In May, Graziani and his wife opened Idlewild Woman, a clothing and home store catered specifically to women. Sales were good right from the start, Graziani said.

Graziani admits it is harder for Idlewild Woman to compete against retailers in the mall. That's because boutiques that cater to women are already popular, whereas there are fewer retailers like Article that cater specifically to men.

Despite that, Graziani said he expects Idlewild Woman to do very well during the holidays.

"We offer competitive discounts," Graziani said. "Plus, our store offers such a different experience than the mall. I’m sure the mall is going to get their sales, too. We hope we’ll get a portion of it. Hopefully everyone is winning."

Dan McClurg, the owner of Elm & Iron, which opened in Over-the-Rhine in May, said he also expects to see a lot of holiday shoppers. The store has already been very busy – sales are outpacing the Columbus location, which is 1,000 square feet larger and has been open for three years.

McClurg credits that in part to the shopping district in Over-the-Rhine.

"People from all over the city go there for the restaurants and some of the other great retailers that have popped up," he said. "We’re getting people from all over the city and from Kentucky. We're even getting people from out of town."

McClurg said sales typically surge anywhere from 30 to 50 percent in December at the location in Columbus.

"That's what we're shooting for in Over-the-Rhine," he said.