WASHINGTON — Eyeing popular toys, fashions and exclusive products, consumers have already made a dent in their holiday shopping lists. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF’s) holiday consumer spending survey conducted by BIGinsight, 52.8% of Americans started their holiday shopping in mid-November, up from 51.4% last year.

Eyeing popular toys, fashions and exclusive products, consumers have already made a dent in their holiday shopping lists. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF’s) holiday consumer spending survey conducted by BIGinsight, 52.8% of Americans started their holiday shopping in mid-November, up from 51.4% last year.

"In order to win over savvy shoppers this year, retailers are well aware that their deals have to stand out, and it looks like there are plenty of people eager to get their hands on the exclusive promotions we are already seeing," said NRF president and chief executive Matthew Shay. "With more promotions to come, gift givers will have ample opportunities this holiday season to seek out the perfect gift — either for themselves or for others."

With plans to spend slightly more than last year, shoppers will stock up on lots of discretionary gifts for their loved ones. The most popular choice: clothing and clothing accessories. According to the survey, nearly six in 10 (59.7%) consumers will splurge on fashion and apparel items and other accessories.
About the same number of people (59.2%) will buy gift cards, which are also the most requested gift item.