Support our non-partisan non-profit newsroom 💜 Donate now

After the holidays, retailers hope to keep the party going

Dec 27, 2023
Even though holiday shopping numbers were solid, retailers might see a slower start to 2024 when consumers' credit card bills come due.
While retailers may encourage January shopping, the push could turn off consumers  after an earlier-than-usual start to the holiday selling season.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Candy cane producers feel the bite of rising sugar prices

Dec 20, 2023
With Christmas approaching, candy canes are hanging from trees around the United States. But producing the sugar that goes in them is becoming more expensive — pushing up prices at the register.
Reporter Erin Delmore and candy store owner Dave Giambri (middle) mold candy canes.
Courtesy BBC

The hottest holiday shopping trend? Buy now, pay later

Dec 4, 2023
Online shopping financed with buy now pay later services hit $940 million on Cyber Monday, an all-time high.
Online shopping financed with buy now, pay later services hit $940 million on Cyber Monday, an all-time high.
Mark Makela/Getty Images

How inflation is impacting holiday ads

Advertisers are taking current market conditions into consideration when competing for consumer dollars.
A screenshot from Chevy's 2023 holiday ad, which features a family grappling with the effects of Alzheimer's. Some advertisers are ploying to viewers' emotions to distinguish their brands this year.
Chevrolet/General Motors via YouTube

The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing

Nov 29, 2023
We spent more over the holiday, but we bought less — thanks to inflation.
While consumers spent a couple percent more this Black Friday weekend than last, they didn’t necessarily buy more.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images

How toy sales are faring this holiday season

Nov 28, 2023
During the first two years of the pandemic, toy sales in the U.S. grew by 30%. Now, they may be coming back to earth.
During the first two years of the pandemic, toy sales in the U.S. grew by 30%.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Retailers wielding holiday discounts as competitive weapon

Nov 27, 2023
Instead of marking down items to clear inventory, retailers are using discounts to draw customers away from competitors.
Sales from post-Thanksgiving promotions could influence what the rest of the holiday shopping season looks like.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Amid the voracious spending, some holiday shoppers will have to trade down this year.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

You're not imagining it: Holiday shopping season really did start earlier this year

Nov 23, 2023
But if we're buying now, will retailers pay later?
Holiday shopping season may have started early this year, but it's also predicted to go later than usual.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Ringing in the holiday season with consumer sentiment at a 6-month low

Nov 10, 2023
The latest consumer survey from the University of Michigan shows that sentiment dropped for the fourth straight month.
Through lockdowns and supply chain snarls, inflation and interest rate hikes, consumer spending has remained resilient.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images