As COVID-19 cases continue to spike, fewer people will be gathering this holiday season. Instead, more people will be celebrating the holidays by shopping online and mailing gifts to family and friends.
According to the National Retail Federation, 60 percent of shoppers said they plan to make their holiday purchases online, while 96 percent of retailers expect their online holiday sales to increase in 2020. Popular items on wish lists this year include gift cards, clothing and accessories, books, electronics, home décor and games.
“There’s a lot more packages this year — people are doing a lot more online buying,” said Deb Cain, owner of the UPS Store in Springboro.
Cain said during their peak season in mid-December, hundreds of customers visit her store daily, where they can process more than 500 packages each day.
“It’s like somewhere around December 14 it’s in people’s mind, ‘Wow, there’s just 11 more days,’” Cain said.
Here are the recommended the major shipping companies’ holiday shipping deadlines to make sure your gifts arrive in time for Christmas:
UPS
- UPS Ground: Dec. 15
- UPS 3 Day Select: Dec. 21
- UPS 2nd Day Air: Dec. 22
- UPS Next Day Air: Dec. 23
United States Postal Service (USPS)
- USPS Retail Ground: Dec. 15
- First Class Mail and First Class: Packages Dec. 18
- Priority Mail: Dec. 19
- Priority Mail Express: Dec. 23
FedEx
- FedEx SmartPost: Dec. 9
- FedEx Home Delivery: Dec. 15
- FedEx Ground: Dec. 15
- FedEx Express Saver: Dec. 21
- FedEx 3Day Freight: Dec. 21
- FedEx 2Day: Dec. 22
- FedEx 2Day A.M.: Dec. 22
- FedEx 2Day Freight: Dec. 22
- FedEx 1Day Freight: Dec. 23
- FedEx Extra Hours: Dec. 23
- FedEx Standard Overnight: Dec. 23
- FedEx Priority Overnight: Dec. 23
- FedEx First Overnight: Dec. 23
- FedEx SameDay: Dec. 25
- FedEx SameDay City Priority: Dec. 25
- FedEx SameDay City Direct: Dec. 25
This year, shipping companies will not guarantee your package will arrive on time. With the unprecedented holiday season and weather unknowns, Cain said do not procrastinate.
“By shipping earlier, you are just allowing more time which is going to give you peace of mind in knowing those presents are going to get there,” Cain said. “The earlier the better. That way you are not pushing yourself and stressing out asking, “is my package going to get there?”
Michelle Hudok told News Center 7′s Katy Andersen shipping concerns is why she is shopping for her family as early as possible this year.
“I am not a big online shopper, but this year will be more online – especially with trying to limit going out,” Hudok said. “I am worried shipping is going to be delayed again so if I do it now, I’ll have some stuff guaranteed.”