Study Finds More People Will Celebrate July 4th This Year
A National Retail Federation survey conducted by BIGresearch found that more people will celebrate the July 4 weekend holiday this year than last year. The holiday falls on a Saturday this year and many have Friday off from work. The survey found that many Americans are planning a memorable celebration: 62.6% will host or attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic, compared to 61.2% in 2008.
The survey also found that more people will attend their local fireworks or community celebration (42.7% vs. 40.2% in 2008). Other popular celebrations include attending a parade (11.5%) or traveling/taking a vacation (11.4%).
"Americans are ready to kick-start summer and celebrate Independence Day," said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. "Retailers will be stocked with supplies for every celebration, from large family cookouts to trips to the beach."
The survey found that many Americans already own patriotic merchandise. 121 million Americans own an American flag, 89 million have patriotic apparel, 58 million own decorations and 25 million have bumper stickers or car decals. 14% of consumers plan to purchase additional patriotic merchandise for this year's July 4th holiday according to the study.
