Holiday Sales Rose 3.9% in 2025.

Holiday sales in 2025 climbed 3.9% over the prior year, propelled by aggressive discounts and resilient consumer spending that defied economic headwinds like slowing hiring and rising inflation. Value-driven shoppers favored low-cost options, boosting thrift and off-price retailers while luxury lagged, with digital channels accelerating the shift to intentional purchases. At a glance: Mastercard SpendingPulse data revealed a 3.9% rise in holiday sales from early November to Christmas Eve, tracking both online and in-store payments and excluding autos while unadjusted for inflation. Shoppers p