Holiday shoppers plan to spend more this season

NEW YORK — More consumers plan to spend more on holiday shopping this year than last, according to a new Nielsen survey.

According to the "Nielsen Holiday Survey," 54% of consumers stated they still haven't started their holiday shopping. The weekly survey polled 1,100 households starting in September, and the market research company releases results weekly. Respondents said their top destinations for holiday shoppings would be supercenters, departments stores and the Internet.

"While the economic climate still has several major headwinds and uncertainties, improving consumer confidence and labor market, coupled with aggressive marketing by retailers and manufacturers, is reinforcing the potential for a stronger holiday season," Nielsen SVP global consumer insights James Russo said.

Most consumers plan to spend between $250 and $500 this season, but the survey found a five-point increase this week in consumers who said they will spend more, with 22% of consumers saying they will spend more this holiday season than last.