❗Let's close the gap: We still need your help to raise $40,000 by April 1. Donate now

A shorter holiday season may mean a very Merry Xmas for FedEx and UPS

Noel King Dec 18, 2013
HTML EMBED:
COPY
FedEx may benefit from a shorter holiday season this year. Above, FedEx couriers sort packages before starting their holiday delivery routes in San Francisco, California. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A shorter holiday season may mean a very Merry Xmas for FedEx and UPS

Noel King Dec 18, 2013
FedEx may benefit from a shorter holiday season this year. Above, FedEx couriers sort packages before starting their holiday delivery routes in San Francisco, California. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Thanksgiving came late this year, leading to a compressed gift-buying and sending season. In fact, there are six fewer days to ship presents in 2013 when compared with last year. Some retail analysts think that may lead to more people paying extra for two-day or overnight shipping in order to get gifts to friends and family in time.

That could benefit companies like FedEx and UPS. Jack Atkins, a retail analyst with Stephens Inc., is relying partially on his personal experience. “I have a lot of shopping to do over the next seven days,” said Atkins. “I get it done every year, but I always wait until the last minute.” 

Others aren’t convinced that procrastinating shoppers will give shippers a bounce.

“The difference between a four week or a five week or a three week holiday season isn’t that big of a deal,” said David Ross, a transportation analyst at Stifel. 

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.