Holiday Demand Holds Up But Consumer Budgets Remain Under Pressure

Benzinga

Retailers expect record Black Friday traffic, but holiday budgets are tighter as tariffs lift prices and essentials take priority. Early promotions launched, though discounts are weaker than in past years, and holiday spending is projected to dip slightly. The National Retail Federation forecasts 186.9 million shoppers but slowing November–December sales growth.

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00:00It's Benzinga, bringing Wall Street to Main Street.

00:02U.S. retailers are preparing for record Black Friday traffic.

00:05Those shoppers are holding tighter budgets as tariff-fish prices higher, according to Reuters.

00:10The National Retail Federation expects 186.9 million people to shop between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday,

00:16up from 183.4 million last year.

00:19But sales growth for November and December is projected to slow.

00:21Many consumers say essentials are eating into gift budgets, with some cutting planned spending by more than half.

00:27Retailers launch early promotions to capture demand, though analysts say discounts are thinner than in past years.

00:32The National Retail Federation expects average holiday spending to reach $890 per person, slightly below last year.

00:39For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.

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