Shop smart on Father’s DayBBB offers advice for finding the perfect gift for dadIt is that time of year again. Father’s Day is right around the corner and consumers are looking for the perfect gift to honor dad. Whether it is a new shirt or tie, a cool electronic device or a bottle of cologne, your Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin advises you to shop smart when you hit the mall. If you would rather avoid the weekend shopping crowd, many of the same retailers can be found online. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2015 Father’s Day Spending Survey, 75 percent of Americans are expected to celebrate Father’s Day this year. Nationwide, spending for dad is expected to reach a total of $12.7 billion. The average consumer will spend about $115 on gifts, approximately the same amount as last year. When it comes to gifts for dad, the NRF said nearly 40 percent of consumers will purchase apparel items while others will opt for other gifts, such as tickets to a sporting event or a special meal at a restaurant. The NRF also said 36 percent of consumers will shop for gifts in department stores, while 29 percent will shop online. This Father’s Day, BBB advises consumers to take caution when shopping and ordering merchandise online. What you see online may not be what arrives, (or doesn’t arrive), on your doorstep. In 2014, BBB received nearly 5,000 consumer complaints nationwide against online retailers. Most consumers reported issues with advertising and delivery. For helpful online buying advice, BBB recommends the following:
| |
2015 Alice Business Today - June 2015 |