Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices
Trending News
1 week, 6 days ago

Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices

Associated Press  

Sales rose this year during the holiday shopping season even as Americans wrestled with elevated prices for many groceries and other necessities, according to new data. Holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, outpacing the 3.1% increase from a year earlier, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. Michelle Meyer, chief economist at Mastercard Economics Institute, said the holiday shopping season “revealed a consumer who is willing and able to spend but driven by a search for value” as seen by concentrated online spending during the biggest promotional periods. A broader picture of how Americans are spending their money arrives next month when the National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, releases its combined two-month statistics based on November-December sales figures from the Commerce Department.

Retail Sales Spending Holiday Shoppers  stores  season  increased  sales  shopping  higher  retail  increase  holiday  shoppers  38  prices  despite  spending  online

History of this topic

'Shocking development': New York Times reporter reveals what is driving huge sales numbers
1 week, 6 days ago

'Shocking development': New York Times reporter reveals what is driving huge sales numbers

Raw Story  

Consumers set a massive record in holiday sales as people finally began to feel the pressure of inflation ease, New York Times business and policy reporter Lauren Hirsch told MSNBC's Jessica Layton on Thursday. This follows a number of other reports from retailers showing healthy sales — and not just the traditionally solid online stores, they noted, but, in a …

We spent more on restaurants and clothing over the holidays, Mastercard says
1 week, 6 days ago

We spent more on restaurants and clothing over the holidays, Mastercard says

Salon  

Retail sales over the holiday season increased 3.8% over last year as people visited restaurants and purchased clothes and jewelry, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks payments. The NRF will release a broader picture next month of how Americans are spending, with two months of statistics from the Commerce Department that show sales in November and December. Holiday shoppers planned …

Holiday spending in the US: Celebrate the season, mind your wallet
1 week, 6 days ago

Holiday spending in the US: Celebrate the season, mind your wallet

India Today  

For Americans, Christmas cheer comes with warm spending — whether on essential giveaways for family or in charity. Like, if it suits somebody, then I'll grab it.” A Closer Look at Holiday Gifts Popular gifts include clothing, toys, gift cards, books, video games, and personal care items. Economists note that people are now “substantially less optimistic” about future business conditions …

Last-minute Christmas shopping takes a dive as buyers feel the squeeze
Trending News
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Last-minute Christmas shopping takes a dive as buyers feel the squeeze

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Last-minute Christmas shopping saw a downturn this year as high …

Peak Christmas high street footfall down 5.3% – survey
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Peak Christmas high street footfall down 5.3% – survey

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy High street footfall was 5.3% …

Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of U.S. economy’s health
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of U.S. economy’s health

LA Times  

Consumers stepped up their spending at retail stores last month, providing a boost to the economy in the early phases of the winter holiday shopping season. Retail sales rose 0.7% in November, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, a solid increase and higher than October’s 0.5% gain. Analysts envisioned a solid holiday shopping season, though perhaps not as robust as last …

Retailers point to solid U.S. sales over holiday weekend
1 month ago

Retailers point to solid U.S. sales over holiday weekend

Raw Story  

U.S. consumers turned out in force in stores and online over the Thanksgiving weekend, a key stretch in the holiday shopping season, a leading retailer group said Tuesday. A total of 197 million shoppers, about 59 percent of the U.S. population, made purchases during a five-day stretch that includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday, according to figures from the National …

Holiday shopping in US: Americans expected to spend nearly $1 trillion in Nov-Dec 2024
1 month, 1 week ago

Holiday shopping in US: Americans expected to spend nearly $1 trillion in Nov-Dec 2024

Live Mint  

The National Retail Federation has projected that winter holiday spending for November and December will increase by 2.5% to 3.5% over 2023. Strong holiday spending Despite a cautious consumer outlook, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay emphasized that the economy remains fundamentally strong, providing solid support for spending growth. “The winter holidays are an important tradition to American families, and …

Is Black Friday still a holiday shopping juggernaut in 2024?
1 month, 1 week ago

Is Black Friday still a holiday shopping juggernaut in 2024?

Hindustan Times  

NEW YORK — After weeks of pushing early deals, retailers in the United States and some other countries tried to seduce customers with promises of bigger discounts on Black Friday, the sales event that still reigns as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it's lost some luster. Enough consumers enjoy holiday shopping in person that Black …

Black Friday set to dominate Thanksgiving weekend as 131.7 million prepare to shop
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

Black Friday set to dominate Thanksgiving weekend as 131.7 million prepare to shop

Live Mint  

Black Friday is expected to be the busiest shopping day of the Thanksgiving weekend, with 72% of shoppers—an estimated 131.7 million people—planning to visit stores or shop online, according to the National Retail Federation’s survey conducted with Prosper Insights & Analytics. Thanksgiving weekend shopping trends Overall, the NRF projects a record-breaking 183.4 million shoppers will participate in the five-day shopping …

Retailers bank on Black Friday to energize bargain-hungry holiday shoppers
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

Retailers bank on Black Friday to energize bargain-hungry holiday shoppers

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — It’s show time. After weeks of pushing early deals, retailers in the United States and some other countries are promising bigger discounts on Black Friday, the sales event that still reigns as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it’s lost some luster. “People come to get the deals, but more importantly, they come …

Deal-hungry shoppers hit stores on Black Friday to kick off critical holiday season
1 month, 1 week ago

Deal-hungry shoppers hit stores on Black Friday to kick off critical holiday season

LA Times  

The Christmas tree is a big attraction on Black Friday at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. “Honestly, you’ve got to come in with the mentality: It’s Black Friday,” said Gus Aguirre, a Simi Valley barber, who said his family never misses the biggest shopping day of the year. They suspected they could get the same sort of deals during …

Why retailers still see Black Friday as the high point of the holiday shopping season
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

Why retailers still see Black Friday as the high point of the holiday shopping season

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — After weeks of plugging increasingly inviting discounts, retailers in the United States and several other countries are preparing for prime time: Black Friday, the bargain bonanza that still reigns as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it’s lost some luster. It’s a better experience.” In the U.S., analysts envision a solid holiday shopping …

As a shopping expert, I need to tell you the truth about Black Friday
1 month, 1 week ago

As a shopping expert, I need to tell you the truth about Black Friday

The Independent  

It was 5am on the morning after Thanksgiving 2008. Black Friday was no longer about financial fear, but rather about bottom line abundance – over-the-top promotion to move retailers from “in the red” to “in the black”. Recommended How this Chinese shopping app took over the world and turned into the ultimate ick The day launched the official holiday shopping …

More deals, more spending: What Black Friday has in store
1 month, 1 week ago

More deals, more spending: What Black Friday has in store

NPR  

More deals, more spending: What Black Friday has in store toggle caption Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images This week officially kicks off the busiest shopping period of the year — it's joy and chaos for shoppers and a make-it-or-break-it season for most retailers. But that's not the whole story: A greater share of people also plan to splurge this holiday season, according …

What Black Friday’s history tells us about holiday shopping in 2024
1 month, 1 week ago

What Black Friday’s history tells us about holiday shopping in 2024

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The holiday shopping season is about to reach full speed with Black Friday, which kicks off the post-Thanksgiving retail rush later this week. The term “Black Friday” is several generations old, but it wasn’t always associated with the holiday retail frenzy that we know today. Jie Zhang, a professor of marketing at the University of Maryland’s Robert …

‘If you mark it down, they will come.’ What to expect from retailers this holiday season
1 month, 1 week ago

‘If you mark it down, they will come.’ What to expect from retailers this holiday season

CNN  

CNN — Santa’s checking his list, elves in tow, as a model sailboat and selection of beach tees hang on the wall behind him. “The consumer has got firepower and is able to out and spend, so it’s not going to be a miserable holiday by any standards,” said Neil Saunders, retail analyst and managing director at GlobalData Retail. Bing …

US consumers to bargain hunt in annual 'Black Friday' spree
1 month, 2 weeks ago

US consumers to bargain hunt in annual 'Black Friday' spree

Deccan Chronicle  

NEW YORK: US shoppers are coming out in force this holiday season, but the festiveness is being tempered by inflationary pressures that have abated but not completely faded. Americans are "ready to open their wallets this holiday season," said the Conference Board ahead of Black Friday -- the day after Thanksgiving, which this year, falls on November 28 -- that …

Walmart earnings: Holiday shopping is off to a strong start
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Walmart earnings: Holiday shopping is off to a strong start

Live Mint  

Walmart said U.S. sales rose during the most recent quarter as shoppers bought more groceries, home goods and toys, a sign that spending is off to a steady start at the start of the holiday shopping season. The results Sales: U.S. comparable sales, those from stores and digital channels in operation for at least 12 months, rose 5.3% for the …

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month in the latest sign that healthy consumer spending is driving the economy’s steady growth. Retail sales rose 0.4% from September to October, the Commerce Department said Friday, a solid increase though less than the previous month’s robust 0.8% gain. “People may not love how much it costs to go …

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend

LA Times  

Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month in the latest sign that healthy consumer spending is driving the economy’s steady growth. Retail sales rose 0.4% from September to October, the Commerce Department said Friday, a solid increase though less than the previous month’s robust 0.8% gain. Sales in some categories fell — furniture stores, clothing outlets and drug …

Grocery inflation rises as supermarket trips hit four-year high
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Grocery inflation rises as supermarket trips hit four-year high

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Supermarket prices were 2.3% higher than a year ago last month, up slightly on …

U.S. shoppers spent more at retailers last month in latest sign consumers are driving growth
2 months, 3 weeks ago

U.S. shoppers spent more at retailers last month in latest sign consumers are driving growth

LA Times  

Americans stepped up their purchases at retailers last month as low unemployment, steady pay gains and rising stock and home values helped sustain their willingness to spend despite higher prices. The retail sales figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, and the prices of goods fell slightly last month. Thursday’s retail sales report arrives amid expectations for a solid holiday shopping season, …

Early Bird Shopping: As Retailers Embrace Festive Decor, Flavors and Deals, Consumers Embrace the Season Earlier
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Early Bird Shopping: As Retailers Embrace Festive Decor, Flavors and Deals, Consumers Embrace the Season Earlier

Hindustan Times  

Shoppers embrace early holiday spirit as retailers push seasonal products earlier in the year. With Thanksgiving and Christmas falling on Nov. 28 and Nov. 1 respectively, retailers are bringing out their festive collections weeks before the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. This year, with inflation-weary shoppers seeking deals on non-traditional items, stores are scrambling to get shoppers to …

Retail sales rise in August despite hit to consumer confidence
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Retail sales rise in August despite hit to consumer confidence

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy British retailers saw sales rise …

U.S. shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices
4 months, 3 weeks ago

U.S. shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices

LA Times  

Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month by the most in a year and a half, easing concerns that the economy might be weakening under the pressure of higher prices and elevated interest rates. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales jumped 1% from June to July, the biggest such increase since January 2023, after having declined …

Ongoing sales have boosted spending during a cost-of-living crisis. Will shoppers pay the price with an interest rate rise?
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Ongoing sales have boosted spending during a cost-of-living crisis. Will shoppers pay the price with an interest rate rise?

ABC  

Australia's struggling retail sector has been given a glimmer of hope, with rolling sales encouraging shoppers to spend — but economists warn that it may come with the price of another interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank. The recent jump in retail spending, boosted by clothing and footwear retailers offering big discounts and earlier-than-usual sales seasons, has increased expectations …

Discounting is back in fashion, as Americans get tired of paying more
7 months, 1 week ago

Discounting is back in fashion, as Americans get tired of paying more

NPR  

Discounting is back in fashion, as Americans get tired of paying more toggle caption Scott Olson/Getty Images After two years of paying more for things, Americans are growing more cautious about how they spend their money and are forcing retailers to offer more discounts. “It’s a cautious consumer,” said CEO Todd Vasos, describing Dollar General's typical shopper. That newfound caution …

Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans unexpectedly paused their spending in April from March as inflation continued to sting and elevated interest rates made taking on debt more burdensome. Retail sales were unchanged, coming in well below economists’ expectations, and follow a revised 0.6% pace in March, according to Commerce Department data released Wednesday. The retail sales figure came out on the …

Retail sales surge 0.7% in March as Americans seem unfazed by higher prices with jobs plentiful
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales surge 0.7% in March as Americans seem unfazed by higher prices with jobs plentiful

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans boosted spending at a hotter-than-expected pace in March, underscoring how shoppers remain resilient despite inflationary pressures and other economic challenges. Retail sales rose 0.7% last month — almost double what economists had forecast — after rising 0.9% in February, according to Commerce Department data released Monday. This is one of the strongest retail sales reports we’ve …

Grocery price inflation slowdown stumbles as supermarkets offer fewer deals
11 months, 1 week ago

Grocery price inflation slowdown stumbles as supermarkets offer fewer deals

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Grocery prices were 6.8% more expensive than a year …

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers in December, closing out the holiday shopping season and the year on an upbeat tone and signaling that people remain confident enough to keep spending freely. Higher energy and housing prices boosted overall U.S. inflation in December, a sign that the Federal Reserve’s drive to slow inflation to its 2% …

Grocery inflation sees fastest monthly drop as households spend all-time high
1 year ago

Grocery inflation sees fastest monthly drop as households spend all-time high

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Supermarket inflation has seen its …

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy
1 year ago

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy

NPR  

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy Enlarge this image toggle caption Brandon Bell/Getty Images Brandon Bell/Getty Images Retail spending in the 2023 holiday season rose just over 3% year-over-year, marking a return to pre-pandemic consumer spending trends even as credit card debt is on the rise and federal student loan payments have kicked back in. Sponsor …

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite some financial anxiety and higher costs
1 year ago

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite some financial anxiety and higher costs

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Holiday sales rose this year and spending remained resilient during the shopping season even with Americans wrestling with higher prices in some areas and other financial worries, according to the latest measure. This year’s sales are more in line with what is typical during the holiday season, however, after a surge in spending last year during the …

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite financial anxiety, higher costs
1 year ago

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite financial anxiety, higher costs

LA Times  

Holiday sales rose in 2023 even as shoppers deal with still stubborn inflation in some areas as well as other financial worries, according to one measure. Holiday sales rose this year and spending remained resilient during the shopping season even with Americans wrestling with higher prices in some areas and other financial worries, according to one closely watched measure. This …

Still haven't bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you
1 year ago

Still haven't bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I think this is a more challenging year than …

Black Friday boosts retailers with sales surging in November despite fears of a tough Christmas for many shops
1 year ago

Black Friday boosts retailers with sales surging in November despite fears of a tough Christmas for many shops

Daily Mail  

Black Friday boosted shops last month with retail sales surging far more than expected. The ONS also revised data for October upwards, reporting that there was zero growth in retail sales rather than the 0.3 per cent fall previously estimated. Volumes were up 1.3 per cent in November as Brits sought out bargains, significantly better than the 0.4 per cent …

Still haven’t bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you
1 year ago

Still haven’t bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you

LA Times  

Super Saturday is expected to be the second busiest day of the holiday period after Black Friday. That’s lower than last year’s 5.4% growth but more consistent with typical holiday spending, which rose 3.6% between 2010 and 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic skewered numbers. Adobe Analytics expects U.S. online holiday sales to rise 4.8% from last year between November and …

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas, not brakes on shopping, travel, restaurants
1 year ago

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas, not brakes on shopping, travel, restaurants

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans picked up their spending from October to November unexpectedly as the unofficial holiday season kicked off, underscoring the power of shoppers despite elevated prices. “While consumers continue to face hurdles from higher borrowing costs, tighter credit conditions and elevated prices, a still-strong labor market, a positive trend in incomes and an easing in price pressures should …

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas rather than brakes on spending
1 year ago

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas rather than brakes on spending

LA Times  

Despite elevated prices, consumers kicked off the holiday shopping season by keeping up their spending momentum, according to Commerce Department data released Thursday. Americans unexpectedly picked up their spending from October to November as the unofficial holiday season kicked off, underscoring the power of shoppers despite elevated prices. Yet the National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, still …

Black Friday deals this year did not get American customers to shop much
1 year, 1 month ago

Black Friday deals this year did not get American customers to shop much

Live Mint  

It’s not just you. Walmart chief financial officer John David Rainey told investors in an earnings call earlier this month that the company saw a “sharper falloff" in consumer spending toward the end of October. That caution echoed throughout recent earnings reports from retailers ranging from Lowe’s Inc. to Target Corp. Consumers continued to spend this weekend, but they weren’t …

This year’s Black Friday ‘busiest shopping day on record’ – Nationwide
1 year, 1 month ago

This year’s Black Friday ‘busiest shopping day on record’ – Nationwide

The Independent  

Sign up to our free money newsletter for investment analysis and expert advice to help you build wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

’A lot quieter’ Black Friday brings out discount hunters
1 year, 1 month ago

’A lot quieter’ Black Friday brings out discount hunters

Live Mint  

Shoppers took to stores across the world on a Black Friday that appeared subdued compared with prior years, looking for discounted electronics, clothing and household goods in the kickoff to the holiday shopping season crucial to big retailers. “People are spending, but they’re spending more conservatively.” A record 130.7 million people are expected to shop in stores and online in …

Black Friday set to be ‘busiest ever’ as spending beats last year
1 year, 1 month ago

Black Friday set to be ‘busiest ever’ as spending beats last year

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy This year’s Black Friday could …

Retailers offer bigger Black Friday discounts to lure hesitant shoppers hunting for the best deals
1 year, 1 month ago

Retailers offer bigger Black Friday discounts to lure hesitant shoppers hunting for the best deals

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Shoppers venturing out to malls and stores on Black Friday found perks from champagne to virtual reality experiences and old-fashioned doorbusters, as retailers tried to entice customers who are resisting splurges and impulse buying this year. That is a recent development,” Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette said in an interview with The Associated Press, adding that shoppers across …

Retailers are ready to kick off Black Friday just as shoppers pull back on spending
1 year, 1 month ago

Retailers are ready to kick off Black Friday just as shoppers pull back on spending

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Retailers are kicking off the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season on Friday with a bevy of discounts and other enticements. “I don’t think is going to be some horrible business nor is it going to be some kind of explosive holiday season.” The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, expects shoppers will …

Retailers expecting 'record' Black Friday sales, but Westpac warns of 'penny-pinching' Christmas
1 year, 1 month ago

Retailers expecting 'record' Black Friday sales, but Westpac warns of 'penny-pinching' Christmas

ABC  

Despite high levels of pessimism among Australian consumers, David Wall has noticed a lot of people are buying board games and puzzles at his toy stores ahead of the Black Friday sales. "While we expect overall Christmas trading will be subdued, we're expecting this by Friday to be a record simply because people are shopping on a budget, and they're …

Behind Black Friday’s crowds lie stories of consumers squeezed by inflation
1 year, 1 month ago

Behind Black Friday’s crowds lie stories of consumers squeezed by inflation

LA Times  

Months of punishing inflation have pushed East Hollywood resident Diane Roque to economize by canceling her family’s cable subscription and prioritizing cooking at home. “Now it’s very online-focused, and we’re really looking to see the online velocity surge on the major days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” said Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights. “They’re stretching out …

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