OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – Even though unemployment hit a record high earlier this year due to the pandemic, some experts see a rise in holiday spending.

Ernie Goss, an economics professor at Creighton University in Omaha, says there could be a decent increase in spending.

Much of the federal stimulus sent out earlier this year went to paying down debt and into personal savings.

Goss says he expects people to spend some of that this fall and winter.

Goss says the pandemic could still spread a shadow over the holiday season.

Goss says many retailers will have a difficult time finding enough workers to help them through the busy season.