US EditionVisa: Sales Are up 4.2% for First 7 Weeks of the Holiday Shopping Period but the Pace Lags Last Year
Holiday sales grew 4.2% driven by electronics and e-commerce, with online spending up 7.8% and physical stores still accounting for 73% of total payments, Visa said.
- From Nov. 1 through Sunday, Visa's analytics unit reported U.S. holiday retail sales rose 4.2% in the first seven weeks, according to preliminary data released Tuesday.
- Amid price pressures and tariffs, Visa found electronics and apparel demand drove growth, with e-commerce sales rising 7.8%, Brown said, `We are seeing consumers use AI in a big way in comparison shopping and then helping to narrow down that perfect gift.`
- Adjusted figures show real spending up 2.2% for the period, with 73% of holiday payment volume in physical stores and general merchandise stores rising 3.7%, while home improvement fell 1% and furniture gained 0.8%.
- Visa expects November–December sales near 4.6% and between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion, aligning with the National Retail Federation despite delays from the 43-day federal government shutdown.
- Visa noted a gap between consumer sentiment and spending as 41% of Americans planned to spend less, while Michael Brown said consumers remain cautious but smart and real growth depends on final Consumer Price Index readings.
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57 Articles
Holiday shopping rises despite economic headwinds
With just days left before Christmas, the holiday shopping rush is in full swing — and this year, Americans are spending more than many expected. Preliminary data from Visa shows retail spending this holiday season is up 4.2% compared to last year, despite ongoing concerns about inflation and affordability. Visa analyzed spending over a seven-week period beginning Nov. 1, excluding gasoline, automotive expenses and dining. The data shows that in…
Consumers Keep Spending As E-Commerce Drives Holiday Sales Growth, Data Shows
US holiday retail spending rose 4.2 percent this season, fueled by strong online sales and higher demand for electronics, according to preliminary data from Visa. Visa said the data tracked retail purchases from November 1 over a seven-week period, excluding autos, gasoline, and restaurants. In-store shopping still dominated, accounting for 73 percent of spending, while online sales made up 27 percent. E-commerce drove most of the growth, rising…
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