According to projections cited by WHIOTV, holiday shoppers across Ohio are anticipated to increase their spending this season, supported by favorable economic conditions. Data from The Ohio Council of Retail Merchants indicates the state’s job growth stands at 1.5 percent, while wages have risen by 4.8 percent—both figures exceeding the national average. These metrics point to a resilient regional economy entering the year-end retail period. n nEconomic analyst Evans, affiliated with the University of Cincinnati, emphasizes that six of Ohio’s nine metropolitan areas are forecasted to experience economic gains. Contributing factors include a cost of living that remains below the national benchmark and a gradual decline in inflationary pressures, creating a conducive environment for consumer spending. n nThe outlook benefits from ongoing research conducted at the Alpaugh Family Economics Center at UC, founded in the late 1970s with support from the Alpaugh Family Foundation. The center plays a key role in delivering economic insights, offering educational initiatives for students and educators, and publishing regional analyses used by both public institutions and private enterprises. n nThese developments suggest a confident consumer base, underpinned by stable employment and rising incomes, positioning Ohio’s retail sector for a robust holiday performance. n— news from University of Cincinnati
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Holiday shoppers expected to spend more across region
Covered by WHIOTV, Evans says a forecast by The Ohio Council of Retail Merchants reflects Ohio’s sustained economic strength: a job‑growth rate of 1.5 percent and wage growth of 4.8 percent that both surpass national averages. n nWith six out of Ohio’s nine metro areas expected to see gains, the state’s retail sector appears poised for a healthy holiday season; driven by fundamentals such as below‑national‑average cost of living and easing inflation pressures. n nEvans’s expertise in an economics‑research leadership role at UC lends weight to the projection and highlights the broader context of Ohio’s economy heading into the holidays. n nThe Alpaugh Family Economics Center, established at UC in the late 1970s and supported by the Alpaugh Family Foundation, provides economic research and education programs for students and teachers while producing regional economic analyses that guide public and private decision‑making. n nRead the WHIOTV story.