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Holiday shopping

For many retailers, business has never been better. The future? Uncertain.

by Kristin Schwab
Jan 13, 2022
Millions of Americans are still shopping like crazy. But retailers worry their voracious appetite won't last much longer.
Americans have been eager to shop in recent months but haven't been able to find everything they want. Fresh retail sales data will come out Friday.
Raul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images
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So how good were the holidays for retailers?

by Sean McHenry
Jan 4, 2022
Three small-business owners weigh in on how the shopping season went for them.
Despite a spike in coronavirus cases, retail sales were strong during the holiday season.
Leon Neal via Getty Images
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Holiday sales boosted by fear of empty shelves

by Lily Jamali
Dec 27, 2021
An early picture of the all-important selling season looks decent.
With shoppers hunting for presents earlier, retailers enjoyed the strongest holiday sales growth in nearly two decades, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse report.
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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How 4 families are adjusting their budgets for the holiday season

by Amy Scott and Richard Cunningham
Dec 21, 2021
Many Americans are in better financial condition this year but remain cautious, says Wall Street Journal reporter Veronica Dagher.
For many Americans during the holidays this year, there can be a disconnect between how they are doing financially and how they feel about the economy or how freely they spend.
Mario Tama via Getty Images
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Unlike last year, holiday shipping's running pretty smoothly — at least, so far

by Savannah Maher
Dec 13, 2021
Gift-givers seem to be paying attention to messages urging them to ship early.
USPS and private shipping companies appear to be handling holiday shipping better than last year. Above, a FedEx worker makes deliveries in New York City.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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Looking for a gift for the video gamer in your family? Good luck.

by Savannah Maher
Dec 9, 2021
There's a gaming console shortage thanks to the computer chip shortage and high pandemic demand.
The video game industry experienced a boom during the pandemic.
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
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How will traditional holiday sales days fare this year?

by Caroline Champlin
Nov 29, 2021
Consumers appear to be spreading their holiday spending across more days, heeding advice to get their orders in early.
New data shows that in-store sales on this year's Black Friday were down compared with pre-pandemic levels. Above, the festive Galleria mall in Houston on Black Friday.
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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Buy Nothing groups are one way out of traditional holiday shopping

by Amanda Peacher
Nov 26, 2021
The project is a hyperlocal gift economy where neighbors give and receive freely. For some, it's a chance to jump off the consumer hamster wheel.
As consumers scramble to get holiday gifts, those in Buy Nothing groups can give and receive freely in their local area.
Anna Gorbacheva via Getty Images
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Small Business Saturday helps retailers who aren't caught in the supply chain

by Savannah Maher
Nov 26, 2021
Smaller businesses that sell locally sourced goods, or provide services, don't always need faraway suppliers.
With some name-brand products delayed by supply chain issues, small retailers may see a boost this holiday shopping season. Above, Small Business Saturday signage in a New York City window.
Brian Ach/Getty Images for American Express
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Supply chain slowdowns could make it a big year for gift cards

by Meghan McCarty Carino
Nov 25, 2021
E-commerce and consumer habits of younger shoppers have made them increasingly popular.
Once considered thoughtless and impersonal, gift cards have become increasingly popular and are expected to be a big seller this year.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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