By Jackie Bartz Channel 2 News KTUU

2:32 p.m. AKST, December 28, 2011
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
Alaskans planned to give more of their money this holiday shopping season to retailers, who are rounding out 2011 making some big bucks. Economists say sales are up all across the country, and expect the spike to continue well into the new year.  

"There is a good reason to believe that this was a good year for sales in Alaska," Alaska Department of Labor Economist Neal Fried said.  

A Dec. 23 survey by Northern Economics of over 700 households revealed that Alaskans planned to spend $1,333 this holiday season, compared to $1,275 in 2010.

"I did spend a lot of money this year," Anchorage resident Logan Roth said. "I feel pretty good about it, I feel like the economy is going up."

Alaska is one of only three states that saw growth in the job market in 2011.

"We are in a very, very different place than the rest of the country," Fried said.

An increase in tourism and oil prices that topped $100 a barrel proved beneficial for the state in 2011, and 2012 is shaping up to be very similar.

But it's not all smooth sailing, since cuts in the federal budget could have a huge impact on Alaska. According to Fried, Alaskans should begin to see the effects next year but 2013 will be the year that could be most affected.

Contact Jackie Bartz jbartz@ktuu.com