New data on retail sales today that gave a sense of all-important consumer spending as we head into the heart of the holiday shopping season.

Many consumers will have to pare down or spend more on gifts this year, just to match what they gave last year.

Economists at EY-Parthenon forecast a modest 2.5% increase in holiday spending, but it’s due in part by gifts being more expensive this year. So what are budget-minded shoppers to do?

More than 40% of Americans have an unused gift card, according to Bankrate.

The latest consumer survey from the University of Michigan shows that sentiment dropped for the fourth straight month.

Nike reported disappointing earnings, weakening the outlook for clothing sales — which have a lot to do with the year-end shopping season.

Mall manager Alana Ferko is coming off a strong holiday shopping season coupled with new business from a Hollywood production.

Despite retail promotions and a longer shopping season, inflation may make consumers pay more but get fewer gifts. Fa la la la la.