Nearly half of shoppers are worried about affording holiday gifts this year

Concerns about the job market, as well as personal and household debt, are affecting how much consumers plan to spend this season, per an ICSC report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 9, 2026

Online spend during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days neared $10B in the US

The retailer’s two-day event drove sales at multiple stores including Walmart as consumers hunted for bargains and discounts ahead of the holiday rush.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 9, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of holiday shopping and the consumer

Consumers are signaling they want value when it comes to quality, convenience and experiences. 

By Retail Dive staff

Walmart debuts 1-hour express pickup, ASL service ahead of holidays

The mass retailer will expand the new pickup option nationwide in the upcoming weeks and is using Sorenson for in-store American Sign Language interpretation.

By Dani James • Oct. 8, 2026

Target’s turnaround has seen early success. Now come the holidays.

The mass retailer’s performance in recent quarters pleased analysts. But can it deliver the gift of consistency and value to consumers in Q4?

By Dani James • Oct. 6, 2026

Halloween spending creeps up this year

While budgets for the holiday increase, one in five shoppers plan to use buy now, pay later or other financing services, according to Deloitte.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 5, 2026

Target’s digital holiday catalog features toys — and a way to incorporate handwritten wish lists

The retailer’s kids catalog is focused on interactive experiences, including demonstrations and video reviews. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 5, 2026

How retailers can make the most of the joy of holiday checkout

Smart retailers turn checkout satisfaction into lasting value. Here's how.

Oct. 5, 2026

Consumer AI use a boon for the holidays as AI traffic doubles

Consumers using AI engage with brands’ offers at a higher rate than non-AI traffic and generate more revenue per visit, a survey from Adobe found.

By Matt Vartabedian • Oct. 1, 2026

Holiday hiring is getting ‘smaller and more surgical’

Many of the biggest U.S. companies are staying quiet about their Q4 plans amid uneasy consumer confidence reports and shifting staffing models.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 1, 2026

Retailers, consumers both on edge as the holidays approach

Shoppers will find lean inventories this season as they scour stores for the right items at the right price — and the hunt has already begun.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 29, 2026

Consumers aren’t just buying gifts this holiday season. They’re stocking up on essentials.

Total online spend in the U.S. will top $275 billion, according to Adobe, but many will use seasonal deals to stockpile necessities. 

By Lara Ewen • Sept. 28, 2026

Halloween spending expected to reach $13.5B

Shoppers are approaching the holiday “with affordability in mind,” and looking for ways to maximize value, according to a new report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 24, 2026

The Backroom: A status check on Target’s turnaround

Since naming Michael Fiddelke CEO, the retailer has made headway on its recovery with sales and traffic growth despite the bumps along the way.

By Retail Dive Staff • Sept. 24, 2026

Longtime Christmas decor retailer files for bankruptcy

Gordon Companies Inc. — which operates Christmas Central, Christmas.com and more — filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection just ahead of peak season.

By Dani James • Sept. 18, 2026

Dueling Amazon, Target October sales events return

With the holidays right around the corner, both retailers will hold deal days next month on everything from toys to groceries and apparel. 

By Dani James • Sept. 15, 2026

Best Buy launches holiday gifting center earlier than ever

The retailer is highlighting its shop-in-shops with Google and Meta as a way to entice holiday shoppers into stores this season.

By Dani James • Sept. 14, 2026

Kohl’s turns to Babies R Us as Sephora falters

The department store is bringing the brand to more stores and adding an exclusive collection. Meanwhile Sephora at Kohl’s sales are down this year.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 14, 2026

E-commerce to outpace overall holiday sales growth as shoppers lean on AI

The channel is expected to grow up to 8.4%, aided in part by consumers’ embrace of digital tools such as artificial intelligence, per Deloitte.

By Lara Ewen • Sept. 10, 2026

Holiday spending forecast to top $1 trillion

Inflation is expected to account for much of the increase, according to a new report from Bain & Company.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 8, 2026

USPS announces 6% rate increase for 2026 peak season

The holiday price bump is set to impact Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and other package shipping services starting Oct. 4.

By Max Garland • Aug. 31, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Target’s home turnaround and Macy’s 100th parade countdown

Long lead times in the category mean a rebound will take time. Meanwhile, the department store is setting its sights on its centennial Thanksgiving Day Parade.

By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 21, 2026

Target leans on newness for Halloween assortment

A majority of the retailer's festive collection is new in 2026, beating the drum on fresh merchandise being a core part of its turnaround.

By Dani James • Aug. 12, 2026

Retailers stocked up for upcoming holiday season

Data from NRF projects that imports at major U.S. ports have peaked as businesses built up inventory ahead of new tariffs.

By Dani James • Aug. 10, 2026

As the holidays near, two-thirds of shoppers are using AI

Consumers are looking to AI this holiday season to sift through products and search for bargains, according to Attentive.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 4, 2026

Amazon announces 2026 holiday fulfillment fees, advises early shipping

The company's ongoing 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge will apply to the peak season fees, which start Oct. 15.

By Max Garland • July 14, 2026