Debunking the ‘Seattle Freeze’

You’ve probably heard about the ‘Seattle Freeze.’ It’s the notion that people in this area aren’t as welcoming as people in other parts of the country.

But, according to a survey recently done by international consulting firm Deloitte, we in Seattle actually like to get more personal when it comes to our holiday shopping. And, we like to party.

“They won’t be spending as much on gifts, but they’re going to be spending more on entertaining at home and socializing activities,” says Alana Hoskin in Deloitte’s Seattle office.

Deloitte’s annual holiday shopping survey found Seattle shoppers expect to spend about 22 percent more than the national average in 2015, or $1,755 compared to $1,440.

The money we do spend on presents is likely to go toward that perfect item, rather than impersonal gift cards or certificates. Seattle area respondents told Deloitte they will spend about $132 on gift cards, 20 percent less than last year. It’s also less than the national average of $162.

And, of course, we love our electronics. That’s the most popular gift category in this area. Specifically, tablets are on the wish lists of 13 percent of the people asked.

Nationally, 37 percent of respondents in the Deloitte survey said they will do at least half of their shopping online this year. In the Seattle area that number is even higher, at 44 percent.