Retailers hope for better holiday spending compared to 2015

It's mid-November, and whether we like it or not, that means it's time to start thinking about all the spending that comes with Christmas.

According to data from ATB financial, there was an almost four per cent drop in holiday shopping in Alberta last year, but some say that could turn around this season.

• Calgary's economy should grow by 2% in 2017, Conference Board forecasts

University of Calgary marketing professor Debi Andrus said retailierscould see a bigger holiday bump this year, especially if consumers expect the economy to bounce back.

"Well, in marketing, expectations and perception is what we work with," she said.

Andrus said anticipation of an improved economy in 2017 could loosen purse strings.

"So an expectation that life is going to be better or that I'm going to get a job does make people feel better and they want to go out and buy more for their families, have bigger meals, have parties," she said.

Andrus said one thing that could dampen the holiday spirit for local retailers is the prevalence of online shopping.

At the Bamboo Ballroom in Inglewood, Anastasia Boruk said the holiday season usually comes with a 30 to 40 per cent bump in business at the small boutique.

"I'm hopeful that it'll be a good holiday season for everybody. We have events planned and things like that to kind of bring people in," she said.

For Boruk, the concern is what follows in January and February.