Consumers will shop for “value” this holiday seasonand spend an average of $661 on gifts. Meanwhile, an equal number ofrespondents (49%) to a late Sep. holiday survey by NPD Group said buying onsale will be “just as important” or “more important” this year than duringholiday 2001. Meanwhile, 69% of respondents indicated they intended to spendthe same this year as in 2001; 20% planned to spend less, and only 12% saidthey would spend more than last year.

Sporting goods retailers looking to attract newholiday customers or retain existing clientele may be forced to compete inpricing wars. According to the NPD survey, 40% ... Log in to view full article.