holiday spending

Many families are spending less on school supplies this year by buying cheaper brands or fewer items overall. Retail analysts are worried about what this will mean for the holiday shopping season.

The data from the Census Bureau could mean that consumers are pulling back — or it could just mean that they did more of their holiday shopping in November.

But it’s not clear whether the increase is driven by hope or anxiety.

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

Spending jumped 15% in 2021 and more than 7% in 2022, but analysts expect “normal” growth of 2.3% to 3.3% for the season in 2024.

And just about everyone has sticker shock.

The National Retail Federation predicts at least $957 billion in sales this holiday season. But that might not mean everyone is splurging.

Inflation won’t make us spend less this holiday season, according to predictions. But it may mean we get less.

Many Americans are in better financial condition this year but remain cautious, says Wall Street Journal reporter Veronica Dagher.