Retail Holiday Newsletter
2024 Holiday Shopping: Inside the Latest Retail Sales
US retail sales outpaced expectations in November as shoppers keep spending.
- First published on dicembre 20, 2024
The holidays are here, and retailers are unwrapping a season of steady sales. Bain-defined US retail sales grew 3.8% year over year in November, trailing last year’s 4.6% growth and October’s 5.7% growth, but slightly surpassing our full season forecast. In-store sales delivered a surprise gift, growing 2.7% year over year, while nonstore growth slowed to 6.5%. Momentum in some holiday gifting categories, including electronics and sporting goods, suggests shoppers are ready to share the joy.
Bain’s Consumer Health Index adds to this healthy picture of US consumer spending. While intent to spend has softened since November, it remains higher than three months ago across all income levels. Factors like rising disposable income and the latest interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve are likely adding to the cheer.
And the season isn’t over yet. The final stretch before Christmas often delivers the biggest shopping days of the year. Winning retailers will use the gift of AI-powered personalization to help last-minute shoppers check off their lists and create holiday magic.
The Gift of Personalization: AI for Holiday Marketing Magic
Winning retailers are using AI-powered personalized marketing to delight shoppers this holiday season and beyond.