What to know about holiday consumers this year

How much will this year’s anomalies — including a presidential election, inflation and a super-short season — affect shopping in 2024?

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 15, 2024

‘Everybody benefits’: Why the beauty industry needs to get serious about accessible packaging

Rare Beauty and Target have taken steps to develop guidance around universally accessible design. But the industry isn’t prioritizing it yet.

By Caroline Jansen • Oct. 14, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of small business

Disruptions from the pandemic, e-commerce and broader economic trends continue to bedevil operations for small businesses.

By Retail Dive staff

Urban Outfitters drops prices on over 100 styles

The brand’s North American head previously acknowledged that “customers perceive us as expensive.”

By Nate Delesline III • Oct. 10, 2024

Nike remains the top brand among teens, but it’s losing share

Brands like New Balance, Adidas, Birkenstock and On are continuing to gain traction with Gen Z.

By Howard Ruben • Oct. 10, 2024

Looking to replace pumpkin spice? Stop looking.

One day there may be another innovative product that hits the cultural zeitgeist, but even then experts say the fall favorite is here to stay.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 8, 2024

How influencers sway consumer purchasing decisions

More consumers are placing their trust in influencers, especially in online communities with niche interests, a Mavely survey found.

By Kristen Doerer • Oct. 7, 2024

The Weekly Closeout: Belk unveils fresh board of directors and Finish Line to disappear

The regional department store has a new board while the athletics brand’s stores are being rebannered as JD locations. 

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 4, 2024

Black Friday to Cyber Monday US retail sales to hit ‘record’ $75B

That’s up 5% from last year. Meanwhile, Cyber Monday is seeing its relevance fade, according to a Bain & Company report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 4, 2024

Top retail conferences in 2025

Topics this year include AI, consumer trends and brand loyalty.

By Stephanie Arnold • Oct. 1, 2024

PwC expects 7% bump in average holiday spending, increased traffic to stores

Despite easing inflation, however, consumers remain selective and motivated by price.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 1, 2024

Why 9 out of 10 European shoppers prefer in-store shopping, and other key trends

Explore insights into five surprising European shopping trends, including in-store outshining online.

Sept. 30, 2024

Party City cuts prices on 2K items ahead of the holidays

The celebrations and events retailer said it’s responding to consumers, who continue to feel budgetary pressure.

By Nate Delesline III • Sept. 27, 2024

The Weekly Closeout: L’Occitane CEO departs and Crocs partners with Squishmallows

The beauty retailer created an office of the CEO to lead in the interim, while the footwear collab features three shoe designs and several Jibbitz charms.

By Retail Dive Staff • Sept. 27, 2024

Most holiday shoppers will buy a gift for themselves this year

Consumers will spend over $1,200 on gifts, food, decor and experiences for the season, according to JLL, and roughly 83% will buy something for themselves.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 27, 2024

Online holiday sales in the US to hit record $240.8B: Adobe Analytics

The number of purchases done on mobile devices is expected to grow more than 10% compared to last year and will make up 53.2% of all online shopping.

By Howard Ruben • Sept. 26, 2024

The Backroom: The state of the art of couponing

The team discusses a recent deep dive into the movement, led by deal-hunting influencers, and what it means for consumers and retailers alike.

By Retail Dive Staff • Sept. 26, 2024

Halloween spending to reach $11.6B this year: NRF

This year won’t likely reach 2023’s record-breaking numbers, with over a third of consumers buying seasonal items at discounters.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 20, 2024

More than half of US Gen Zers are headed to TikTok Shop this season

Retailers are investing in digital marketing to reach the younger generation as the group turns to generative AI and influencer recommendations for gift ideas.

By Xanayra Marin-Lopez • Sept. 19, 2024

Gartner: 32% of holiday shoppers will start before November

But 21% of those surveyed said they plan to reduce their holiday spending this year as high inflation continues to squeeze consumers.

By Nate Delesline III • Sept. 18, 2024

How couponing communities are still thriving

Though it's been over a decade since TLC aired Extreme Couponing, shoppers are still deal-hunting — the methods have just changed.

By Xanayra Marin-Lopez • Sept. 18, 2024

Shoppers want personalization online, in-store and on customer service calls

Personalization doesn’t end on the website or app. Customers are looking for personalized assistance from in-store associates and customer service agents as well, an Incisiv and Talkdesk study found.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 16, 2024

Shoppers to pull back on everyday purchases to prioritize holiday budgets

Most consumers this year are also discovering offers and discounts solely through digital sources including email and social media, Coveo found. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 16, 2024

Holiday retail sales growth projected to increase 2.3% to 3.3%

The pace of increase in holiday sales will be slower than 2023, but e-commerce will likely grow, according to Deloitte. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 13, 2024

33% of holiday shoppers plan to spend less this year: Bankrate

Concerns around high interest rates and inflation are stressing consumers’ budgets, according to a recent report.

By Howard Ruben • Sept. 9, 2024

The Weekly Closeout: Under Armour hires (another) Adidas vet and Bluemercury turns 25

The athletics retailer appointed a new leader in its Europe, the Middle East and Africa division, while the beauty company refreshed its online presence. 

By Retail Dive Staff • Sept. 6, 2024