Boston area consumers spent more than $100.9 billion with retailers last year. The National Retail Federation forecasts 4.1% more will be spent this year.

Who are the shoppers that will be spending all this money?

According to Nielsen, 51.7% of retail dollars are spent by Boston area consumers over the age of 50. This may surprise many small business owners because older consumers comprise only 41% of the area's adult population.

These older consumers account for the majority of spending in almost every retail category. This includes furniture, cars, pet supplies, fast food, and electronics.

To earn a share of these massive dollars spent by these older consumers requires Boston small business owners to advertise.