PIERRE — Shoppers will find full shelves with great gift ideas in South Dakota stores this holiday season. Retailers are ready to greet customers with gifts to meet all needs from stocking stuffers to high-end items.

“Local stores are pulling out all the stops to make sure customers can find the right item at the right price,” said South Dakota Retailers Association Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “They’re being creative and making it fun to seek out the perfect gift, whether in store or online.”

Embracing creativity, South Dakota retailers are redefining holiday shopping by providing unique shopping experiences.

Virtual happy hour sales hosted by Jewel of the West in Hill City make it easy for customers to shop live from the comfort of home. The store also schedules personalized virtual shopping appointments.

At the other end of the state, a quick 90-minute, one evening only bag sale with 25% off everything you can fit in a bag will have customers standing in line eagerly waiting for the doors to open at Dizzy Blondz in Britton, where they also offer free gift bagging.

“Mom-and-pop shops across South Dakota are making the shopping experience fun,” Sanderson said. “We encourage people to check out what’s happening in their hometown businesses to help make this holiday the best ever.”

Sanderson notes that the supply chain has improved this year, so retailers are ready to supply the products that customers want. A strong ag economy in the state will also help to make this a bright holiday season.

Nationwide, the National Retail Federation is projecting record spending during the holiday season, with retail sales expected to increase between 3% and 4% over 2022.