NEWS AND OPINION:
The presidential election has influenced “consumer spending intentions,” according to CivicScience, a research group and pollster based in Pittsburgh.
“CivicScience data show that the election has triggered a significant shift in consumer spending intentions across various segments, with far-reaching consequences for brands, advertisers, and media outlets,” the group said in a brief analysis of its findings released Thursday.
Before the election, 55% of Democrats, 47% of independents and 45% of Republicans said they planned to shop over Thanksgiving weekend, according to an online poll conducted Oct. 6 through Nov. 5.
After the election, 64% of Democrats, 51% of independents and 64% of Republicans said they would shop over the weekend. That poll was conducted Nov. 6-11.
183.4 MILLION READY TO GO
Here comes the big rush — and it is predicted to set a record.
“A record 183.4 million people are planning to shop in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year,” an annual survey and analysis compiled by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics stated.
This hefty figure is up from the record of 182 million shoppers set in 2023.
The retail organization has also conducted a poll. Here’s a few numbers:
“The leading reasons consumers plan to shop during this five-day period are because the deals are too good to pass up (57%), it is tradition (28%) and they like to start holiday shopping over Thanksgiving weekend (24%),” according to the analysis, which was released Thursday.
The organization predicts that shoppers will ultimately drop between $979.5 billion and $989 billion on their holiday spending.
“While consumers will spread their shopping across channels throughout the five-day holiday weekend, Black Friday remains the most popular day to shop, with 72% (131.7 million) planning to head out to stores or shop online. About two-thirds (65%) of Black Friday shoppers expect to specifically shop in stores that day. Cyber Monday is the second most popular day, attracting 39% (72.3 million) of those planning to shop,” the analysis said.
“The trend of early holiday shopping continues with 58% of consumers having already started their holiday shopping as of early November. On average, holiday shoppers have already completed one-quarter (25%) of their planned purchases,” it said.
The survey of 8,135 adult consumers was conducted Nov. 1-7.
AN OPEN INVITATION
MSNBC’s morning hosts hope that a certain high-profile politician of note will pay a call on the network. Here’s a snippet of their conversation:
“Many of you have reached out to us since the election, and though many were disappointed by the results, you let us know you appreciated our reporting, and the reporting of the results in a calm and measured way,” Joe Scarborough told his audience on Thursday.
“Yeah. We have been especially thankful for the kind words we received from those who voted for President Trump. And we’re going to continue our best efforts to be fair and objective in reporting on the incoming administration,” said co-host Mika Brzezinski,
“It goes without saying that we invite members of the incoming Trump administration to be on our show. And also, we look forward to discussing this issue, and others, face-to-face with President Trump himself,” she added.
This conversation did not go unnoticed by Mark Finkelstein, contributing editor to Newsbusters.org, a conservative media watchdog.
“There’s nothing ‘goes without saying’ at all about the intention to have members of the Trump administration on the show,” Mr. Finkelstein said in a brief written analysis.
“For years, ’Morning Joe’ has been the exclusive domain of liberal politicians and media members. The only Republicans permitted to breathe the show’s rarefied liberal air have been of the tame, Never Trumper, variety. It will be fascinating to see if members of the Trump administration do appear on ’Morning Joe,’ and to observe the kind of treatment they receive,” Mr. Finkelstein wrote.
THE VICTORY HAT
President-elect Donald Trump has long had an online store to augment his campaign activities. That said, there’s a new item of note this week.
The official “Trump Victory Hat” is now available in white with red lettering. The hat is emblazoned with the words “Make America Great Again,” of course — plus the word “Victory,” of course.
Those in a festive mood can also opt for the “Christmas MAGA Hat,” which is definitely seasonal — green with red lettering.
There’s also a small message to prospective hat buyers, however.
“Due to high demand by President Trump’s great supporters, shipping could be delayed on this hat,” the site said.
Visit the store, the hats and more at donaldjtrump.com. Click on the “shop” icon in the right corner.
WEEKEND REAL ESTATE
For sale: “Extraordinary” mid-century modern house built in 1953 on 1 acre near Akron, Ohio. Six bedrooms, six baths, unique foyer with twin staircases and cathedral-style ceiling; 6,424 square feet. Open-concept living and dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, stone fireplace; kitchen features custom woodwork and cabinets plus steel appliances and design accents. The house also includes a theater and media room with “discreet built-in bar,” a guest suite with private entrance, two-level patio with stone accents, plus outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and dining area. Priced at $789,000 through Keller Williams. Find it at KW.com, then enter this address in the search function: 160 Hampshire Road, Akron, OH 44313.
POLL DU JOUR
• 58% of U.S. adults say they are giving the same amount to charitable causes this year as they did last year.
• 46% say they are motivated to give to charity because it gives them happiness.
• 45% say they give to charity because it aligns with their values.
• 32% say they feel “feel torn” between paying off their debt and supporting charitable causes.
• 30% give to charities that help animals.
• 27% give to charities that support health organizations.
SOURCE: A Wells Fargo/Ipsos poll of 645 U.S. adults who have given to charity in the last year, conducted online Sept. 20-23 and released Tuesday.
• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook @HarperUniverse.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.