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Tag: Business Now

  • Online shopping leads holiday sales as N.C. spending expected to hit $43B

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    GREENSBORO, N.C. — As holiday shopping season peaks, new numbers show more Americans are choosing to shop online rather than in stores. Some warehouses in North Carolina are feeling that surge.

    What You Need To Know

    • New data shows online shopping is now the most popular way to shop during the holidays and some warehouses in the state are feeling that surge 

    • Projections from Appalachian State University’s Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis and the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association estimate total holiday sales in the state will reach $43.97 billion in 2025, between November and December sales 

    • Those numbers are reflected inside local warehouses like Replacements Limited, where employees work year-round to ship tableware and collectibles across the globe

    • Nationwide, the National Retail Federation projects total retail sales for November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% compared with 2024, signaling continued strength in consumer spending



    The state is seeing a significant boost in holiday spending.

    Projections from Appalachian State University’s Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis and the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association estimate total holiday sales in the state will reach $43.97 billion in 2025, between November and December sales. 

    Those numbers are reflected inside local warehouses like Replacements Limited, where employees work year-round to ship tableware and collectibles across the globe.

    “During this time of the year, it’s very busy,” said Cassandra Goins, a trainer and shipper who has worked at the company for more than 25 years. 

    She says many shoppers are going online to find holiday gifts, including herself.

    “I think that a lot of people nowadays are enjoying shopping online,” Goins said. “It’s a convenience and they love it just as well as I do.”

    Company officials say more than 90% of their sales now happen online, with daily shipments doubling during the holiday season.

    “We’re just getting our orders out the door as fast as we can,” Goins said.

    The National Retail Federation’s 2025 October Holiday Consumer Survey found 55% of shoppers plan to make purchases online this season, outpacing every other shopping option.

    Grocery stores followed at 46%, with department stores at 44% and discount stores at 42%.

    Clothing and accessories stores came in at 30%, while small businesses accounted for 21%.

    Nationwide, the National Retail Federation projects total retail sales for November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% compared with 2024, signaling continued strength in consumer spending.

    As shoppers continue to prioritize convenience, businesses and workers are adapting to meet demand, ensuring holiday gifts arrive on time, whether they’re traveling across town or across the world.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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    Ashley Van Havere

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  • Hubbard’s Marina acquires competitor with pirate ship

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    MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — Hubbard’s Marina has expanded its waterfront entertainment options at John’s Pass in Madeira Beach by having acquired competitor Sunshine Scenic Tours on Monday, which included a pirate ship, according to Capt. Dylan Hubbard.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hubbard’s Marina acquired competitor Sunshine Scenic Tours on Monday

    • The sale included the Royal Conquest Pirate Ship, Dolphin Quest, Shark Boat and about 20 employees

    • Capt. Dylan Hubbard said he plans to continue to operate the popular tours seamlessly 

    • The PTSA will vote next month on whether to officially name Hubbard’s Marina as the new operator of the Cross Bay Ferry


    “The addition of these attractions marks a significant investment in John’s Pass and Tampa Bay tourism,” he said. ”Reinforcing John’s Pass as a top destination for family-friendly adventure.”

    The price of the sale has not been disclosed. Hubbard has added three boats to his fleet with the purchase, the Royal Conquest Pirate Ship, Dolphin Quest and Shark Boat. Hubbard took his first ride on the Pirate Ship on Wednesday.

    “This is definitely a little bit of a different ride than I’m used to. Normally by now, we’ve got the rods out and we’re already baiting hooks,” he said. “I’m excited to get dressed up like a pirate with the kids.”  

    Renee and Dustin O’Neal operated Sunshine Scenic Tours for more than six years, while the pirate ship has been at John’s Pass for the past 25 years. O’Neal said it was not an easy choice to sell the business but trust Hubbard to continue the legacy they created.

    “We wish Dylan, the Hubbards, and our beloved crew all the best,” he said. “We loved running Sunshine Scenic Tours.”

    Hubbard said the O’Neals could have listed their business on the open market but chose to work with him, which he has been humbled by.

    “It was pretty cool to have that opportunity and that vote of confidence, if you will, from a fellow competitor,” he said. “To give us that opportunity to continue upon the business they had built.”

    Along with the boats, Hubbard said he was happy to get about 20 employees. Marine Specialist Kirsten Smail said the employees have been excited about the transition.

    “The whole vibe around here is all positive,” she said. “We’re really happy that we’re going to be under Dylan Hubbard.”

    During the 2024 fiscal year, there was $6.4 billion in direct spending from 15.4 million visitors, according to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. Normally, John’s Pass draws one million visitors annually and has been a top attraction in Pinellas County. Since the back-to-back hurricanes last year, business at John’s Pass has been a lot slower as the area still works to recover.

    Hubbard has had better luck in the past year, he said his business had four record breaking months and he hopes to spread that success to the newly acquired attractions.

    “Plug our resources and our team and our logistics in behind what’s already been built,” he said. “Hopefully continue to rise the tide for John’s Pass as a rising tide raises all boats.”

    Hubbard said he plans to continue to operate the popular tours seamlessly, ensuring no interruption of service. It has been a year of expansion for Hubbard’s Marina, as the PTSA will vote next month on whether to officially name the business as the new operator of the Cross Bay Ferry.

    “Currently we have the intent to award from PSTA staff,” he said. “We’re hoping that at the PSTA board meeting in December they’re going to finally ratify that RFP award.”

    The Hubbard family has been connecting the community with Tampa Bay’s water for 4 generations and has nearly a century or maritime heritage and operational expertise.

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    Josh Rojas

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