Mastercard’s SpendingPulse report tracked U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive, for the holiday period spanning November 1 through December 21. The data showed a 3.9% year-over-year increase.
E-commerce drove the growth, with online sales jumping 7.4% compared to the prior year. In-store sales saw a more modest 2.9% increase. The report noted a significant shift toward online shopping and savvy consumer behavior.
The apparel sector performed strongly, recording a 7.8% rise in spending. Dining out also saw a healthy 5.2% increase, indicating consumers prioritized experiences alongside gift-giving.