For many retailers across the country, sales from holiday purchases are already up from last year's amounts during the same time, meaning that total sales for the season could very well pass those in 2011. This could be a result of the increasing consumer confidence and improving American economy.

According to The Selma Times-Journal, many local merchants in the Selma, Alabama, region are already seeing the benefits from a strong holiday shopping season. For the past few years, many of these merchants have been struggling through tough times as the recession took its toll on the economy. However, things are looking up in 2012, and businesses are pleased with the amount of customers that have been coming out to purchase gifts and other items.

"Last year was the worst year for us in 23 years," Frames 'n Things owner Kay Traylor told the news source. "But I have to say this year is an improvement from years past."

Citing research from the National Retail Federation, the Times-Journal reports that the average consumer is expected to spend approximately $749 on gifts, decor and other holiday items. Retailers in Selma, and other parts of the country, are sure to see the positive results of these findings, as shoppers are feeling more optimistic about their own personal financial conditions and the economy.

As the next few day pass, American consumers will be flooding retail stores and websites to purchase products they plan to give as gifts for the holiday season. Since there are still many customers who have shopping left to do, businesses are offering deals and incentives aimed at drawing patrons into their brick-and-mortar locations and ecommerce sites.

Approximately 68 percent of shoppers – representing nearly 132 million Americans – have not yet finished their holiday gift buying, according to the Consumer Reports Holiday Poll. The research also looked at the items that customers would most likely be purchasing at the last minute, and 62 percent said they will be getting gift cards, 15 percent said alcohol and 12 percent said lottery tickets.

"We found in a previous poll that 20 percent of Americans dread shopping for gifts, which could explain why there are so many procrastinators this year," said Tod Marks, Consumer Reports senior editor. "Those who haven't finished shopping can expect crowded stores – including on Christmas Eve."

Retailers are providing deals and other incentives to bring in consumers, states the Tribune Review. Some, like Macy's and Toys R Us, are extending their hours to give shoppers more time to stock up on items. 

It happens every holiday season – there are always those consumers who rush to retail stores and websites at the last minute to stock up on items to give to family and friends. In Canada, research found there is a significant amount of shoppers who still need to stock up on gifts.

According to a recently released study by Toys R Us, Canada, approximately 50 percent of Canadian consumers still have products on their lists they have yet to buy for the holiday season. The survey also looked at parents needing to purchase gifts for their children, and 55 percent of this group still have some shopping to do. In its report, Toys R Us, Canada states that many people are busy with other things and just haven't found the time to cross off items on their lists.

The final holiday rush of customers could further boost the nation's economy as its continues on its path to improvement. The Wall Street Journal cites research from the Royal Bank of Canada which found that retail sales in the northern nation increased more than was expected in October. The amount of sales jumped by 0.7 percent from the previous month to C$39.45 billion ($39.93 billion).

Perhaps in the hope of avoiding the holiday rush, more consumers are getting their shopping done sooner than they have in past years. This has resulted in many retailers starting their promotions and discounts early to accommodate the customers who want to buy their gifts and be done for the season.

Internet Retailer writes that according to a recently released study by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average American shopper has already bought 56.5 percent of their holiday items. At the same time last year, that figure stood at 46.5 percent. While consumers have benefitted from earlier shopping days and hours, retailers are still hoping to draw in the crowds for the remainder of the season by offering special promotions and deals, the source states.

"There's no question that holiday shoppers wanted to make the most out of retailers' promotions as early as they could, but, as personal schedules get even busier these days, we know there are plenty of people who haven't even made a dent in their list yet," said NRF CEO and president Matthew Shay. "As two of the most important weeks of the holiday season, retailers will do their best to pull in those final dollars with unique offerings and creative promotions."

Although the holidays are fast approaching, there is a significant number of American consumers who have yet to start shopping for the items and gifts they will be giving to loved ones this year. There are several reasons for this, as many customers are busy with work and other obligations. Others are looking around for the best prices, both at retail brick-and-mortar locations and websites. Finding deals and discounts is very important for shoppers this year, as many are keeping an eye on their holiday budgets. To draw in customers, retailers are providing special offerings and various incentives designed to entice consumers.

More than 60 million haven't started holiday shopping

According to the recently released Consumers Reports Holiday Poll, approximately 66 million American consumers have not begun to tackle their holiday shopping lists. Additionally, many are concerned about their finances, as they will be looking out for deals and discounts to stay within their budgets when hitting retail stores and websites.

"Our poll revealed that Americans have plenty of shopping left to do and are generally enjoying the holiday season so far," said Tod Marks, Consumer Reports senior editor. "However, they are also watching their dollars very closely and just as in years past, they're looking for bargains."

The study found that consumers will be spending an average of $483 on gifts and products throughout the holidays. To help cut back on costs, shoppers are resorting to a variety of tactics to stay within their budgets. More than half (55 percent) stated they will be giving less expensive gifts, while 46 percent of respondents stated they will be searching for more discounts and deals being offered by retailers.

Merchants aiming to bring in shopping crowds

While Black Friday was a boon for retailers, many businesses are hoping to keep the activity going by providing discounts and offers to incentivize consumers, including the millions who have not started their holiday shopping. According to Bloomberg News, one example is clothing retailer Banana Republic, which has designed giveaways for its customers. The chain is giving six Fiat 500s for lucky shoppers, along with Ghirardelli chocolates, during December. Other merchants that have launched similar campaigns include J.C. Penney, which is handing out firewood and cashmere scarves as part of their holiday-themed giveaways. Both Target and Neiman Marcus are featuring limited-time designer collections throughout the holiday season, the news source reports.

For the countries in the European Union, conditions have not been looking too bright lately. Add to that the fact that during October, retail sales in the member states fell from the previous month.

According to a recently released report from Eurostat, October's retail sales fell by 1.2 percent from September. This was double the amount of the previous month's decrease from August, which was 0.6 percent. Economists had predicted that sales would decline by 0.2 percent. The countries with the largest drops in retail sales for October were Portugal, Finland and Germany. There were some member states that performed better than others, and the nations with the highest retail increases were Ireland, Lithuania and Belgium, the Eurostat study stated.

Perhaps the biggest contributor to the total decline was a large drop in retail sales throughout Germany, which fell by 2.8 percent in October, reports The Associated Press. Germany is one of the strongest economies in the European Union, so any negative impacts within the country are certain to affect other nations. There is much hope for a quick recovery, but economists believe it could be some time before conditions begin to improve, the news source wrote.

Although they certainly turned a few heads with their announcements, the retailers that made the decision to open their doors on Thanksgiving night to extend hours for consumers actually experienced many benefits from the move. These businesses saw boosts in revenue at their brick-and-mortar locations, slightly beating their competitors that waited longer to open.

Chain Store Age reports that a recent study by Moody's revealed that so far, holiday sales are on par with the credit rating firm's expectations of 4 percent retail sales growth for the season. The research noticed, however, that merchants that opened on Thanksgiving night saw more sales volumes than those that welcomed customers on Friday.

"Retailers that opened early seemed to get a jump on those that delayed their openings until early Black Friday morning," said Charlie O'Shea, senior analyst at Moody's. "We believe the early opening trend is accelerating. Consumers seem to like the option of segueing right from Thanksgiving dinner to shopping and buying."

Some of the retailers that opened on Thanksgiving night included Wal-Mart and Sears, with both companies beginning their Black Friday sales at 8 p.m., according to the Chicago Tribune.

Many Americans go all out when it comes to the holidays through gift buying and decorating. Retailers that sell holiday decor items could see a boost in operations over the next few weeks, as a recent study has pointed out that many shoppers are stocking up on products to deck their halls this season.

According to consumer market research firm NPD Group, a significant amount of Americans are planning on hosting holiday-themed parties in their homes this year, reports Retailing Today. Sixty-three percent of survey respondents stated they are going to have people over for get-togethers to celebrate these season. This means that retailers that offer decor items could see a boost in sales.

"It's holiday time again, and consumers are ritualistically preparing their homes to entertain this holiday season," said Debra Mednick, NPD Group executive director. "Products that furnish seasonal touches and sets that satisfy their need for value are on the menu this year."

Another study by Unity Marketing states that the "prime season" for decorations retailers is the holidays. These themed decor items are expected to account for more than 60 percent of the $19 billion that is generated from retail holiday decorations. 

Amidst all of the shopping frenzy that happened on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the days in between, national retail sales only rose slightly during November. However, many merchants are still optimistic, as consumer confidence has risen to record high levels, which retailers are hoping will lead to stronger sales over the next month.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a recently released report by Thomson Reuters, which analyzed the November sales amounts of 17 large retailers, found that retail sales only increased by 1.7 percent from the same time a year ago. This was a disappointment after analysts had predicted a 3.3 percent rise. The Thomson Reuters study stated that Hurricane Sandy had a significant impact on these totals. However, conditions should improve next month as the holiday shopping season continues.

This is certainly what retailers throughout the country are hoping for. High levels in consumer optimism might be what is needed to give the economy the solid holiday purchasing season it needs. Businessweek reports that according to the recent Conference Board index, consumer confidence is at 73.7, the highest it has been in more than four years.

Things are looking up for retailers in the United Kingdom, as it was recently announced that total retail sales volumes reached their highest levels in five months during November. This is especially welcome news for many merchants that experienced a slight drop in sales in October.

According to Bloomberg, a study by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)  found that the annual sales gauge increased to 33 in November from October's figure of 30. This year's third quarter sales figures were boosted by a two-year high in household spending throughout the nation, most of which was impacted by this summer's London Olympic Games. Despite this positive news, the CBI stated that retailers should still be cautious and not get their hopes up, as economists predict that retail sales will fall in December, the source notes.

October was not a great month for U.K. retailers, as sales dropped by 0.8 percent, reports the British Broadcasting Company. The month's report from the Office for National Statistics fell after a slight rise of 0.5 percent in September. However, these levels are better than the ones the country was seeing at the same time last year, as retail sales were up 0.6 percent year-over-year for October.