COUNTY LIFE
Inflation may be slowing Santa’s shopping this Christmas season
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Consumer spending may have been strong during the Thanksgiving weekend, considered one of the busiest shopping times of the year, but high inflation is taking a toll on Christmas presents as shoppers get less “bang for their buck.”
However, despite record inflation, the National Retail Federation is expecting “healthy holiday spending,” forecasting retail sales during November and December will grow between 6% and 8% above 2021 to between $942.6 billion and $960.4 billion. Last year holiday sales grew 13.5% above 2020 and totaled $889.3 billion, shattering previous records. Holiday retail sales have averaged an increase of 4.9% during the past 10 years with pandemic spending in recent years accounting for considerable gains.
“In the face of these challenges, many households will supplement spending with savings and credit to provide a cushion and result in a positive holiday season,” said NRF President Matthew Shay.
Inflation eased slightly but remained high in October. On a monthly basis, overall consumer prices increased .4% in October while core prices advanced .3%. The food index also is up 11% in October compared to 2021.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
No plant has been more enjoyable in The Garden Guy’s trials than the Forged in Fire heliopsis or false sunflower. There have been a lot of varieties in recent years, but I am going to have to put this one on the must-have list.
Botanically speaking it is Heliopsis helioanthoides, native to the United States. Despite being native to 42 states, many new varieties, award winners and press coverage notwithstanding, it has not been an easy plant to find at the garden center.
Most likely you have never said, “Let’s go to the garden center and pick up a flat of false sunflowers.
Read the full Garden Guy column in today’s Bowie News.
The 100th anniversary celebration for Nokona American Ballgloves continues on July 18 with a community event starting at 11 a.m. at the old Nocona Boot Company building at 917 East U.S. Highway 82.
Enjoy free factory tours start at 8 a.m. and continuing every 15 minutes. The last tour will start about 11 a.m. Make sure to see the special $100,000 100th anniversary Nokona glove.
Drawings will take place every 30 minutes throughout the day, and enjoy hot dogs, Cracker Jack and apple pies. The retail store also will offer special discounts. Nokona is the only ballglove factory still operating in America, so take this opportunity to see up close how it works and learn about its unique history.
Pictured the bejeweled 100th anniversary glove on display at the Nokona Factory Museum.
A free clothing drive is being coordinated by Bowie Independent School District to be offered during the Back to School Bash on Aug. 1.
As everyone prepares for a new school year, consider setting aside any new or gently used clothing your family no longer needs. The first Back-to-School Clothing Drive will help students and families shop for free during the bash.
Every donation—whether it’s a shirt, pair of jeans, shoes, or a jacket—helps ensure more students start the school year looking and feeling their best. All sizes, styles and brands are welcome.
Drop off your clothing donations at Bowie Junior High (501 E. Tarrant St.) from July 20–31 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Back to School Bash is 9 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 1.
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