Do you expect to spend more, less or about the same amount as usual this holiday season amid the pandemic?

Some retailers are expecting a strong holiday shopping season in spite of the pandemic.

The National Federation of Retailers has predicted a 3.6% to 5.2% year-over-year increase in holiday sales this year.

NRF says one reason consumers are expected to spend this holiday season is the psychological benefit of celebrating after a such a challenging year. Early retail sales support the theory. October sales were up 10.6% over 2019, the federation said.

But will that hold true in Rhode Island?

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The state’s small businesses, the backbone of the Rhode Island economy,  have been ravaged by the pandemic and ordered restrictions on operations designed to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

Do you expect to spend more, less or about the same amount as usual this holiday season amid the pandemic?