With Christmas and New Year’s right around the corner, national sales have been increasing in preparation for the holidays! You may be wondering; by how much? Is it going down? What is popular? Well, this goes right into it!
Last Year:
During last year holiday shopping, sales increased, with an 8.7 percent increase in online shopping, and core retail up 3.7-4.2% from last year, with the average spending per person being $1050-1200. (Yes, that much.) Popular trends/items to buy were cozy PJs, new Apple Gadgets, and a crazy kitchen gadget such as a machine that can make ice cream out of essentially anything. Many of these items were trends online that made many people want to buy it for the holidays or as a gift to others.
This year:
This year, however, sales have been heavily affected by tariffs. Tariffs raised prices on electronics, clothing, toys, and decor by 17-30%+ due to duties, especially on Chinese imports, causing higher retail costs, tighter inventory, and making consumers shop earlier or seek domestic/secondhand goods. Additionally, items such as Christmas Trees and other popular Christmas decorations were up 30-63%. Moreover, tariffs have added an estimated $132 per person, significantly higher than last year. Additionally, kitchen items such as knifes, items, tools, and apparel also saw significant increase.
Trends:
This year, trendy items are leaning into nostalgic, natural, and sophisticated styles. Additionally, online trends such as Labubus are exploding this year, along with viral beauty products, fashion staples, and practical kitchen gadgets. Moreover, with the new release of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, you can now record your entire life from the perspective of your eyes. Other products such as the new Meta Quest 3, a state of the art virtual reality, and the iPhone 17 are popular items to buy for the holiday.
Whether you are shopping for the holidays, or looking for the perfect present for your friend, it doesn’t matter what you buy, but the thought that counts.
