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Retail Holiday Newsletter

Retail Holiday Newsletter

Retailers preparing for the season can tap data and insights to stay competitive. Our annual series breaks down what’s driving our holiday shopping outlook—including monthly retail sales updates, pulse checks on consumer confidence, and trends—and outlines tips to help retailers weather the snowstorm.

2024

2024 Holiday Shopping: Inside the Latest Retail Sales

US retail sales growth slowed in August and September, indicating a cautious holiday season.

Five Shopper-Led Strategies for the Holiday Season

Bain research shows that global consumers plan to spend less, shop more online, and wait until November to check off their gift list.

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Our 2024 Authors

Aaron Cheris Partner San Francisco

Stephanie Koszyk Practice Director Dallas

Kurt Grichel Partner Seattle

Darrell Rigby Partner Boston

Suzanne Tager Chief of Staff to the Worldwide Managing Partner New York

2023

How to Build Enduring Value in Retail

Winners demonstrate that creating value for all stakeholders, not only investors, makes solid business sense.

2023 Holiday Shopping: Inside the Latest Retail Sales

Year-over-year US sales grew roughly in line with our expectations this holiday season.

Unwrap Value for the Holidays and Beyond: A Retailer’s Pricing Guide

After recent inflation and supply chain shocks, early signs suggest that US retailers are tuning their pricing models for the holidays.

China’s Singles Day 2023: Win the Head and the Heart with Value and Entertainment

Economic headwinds and livestreamed e-commerce are raising the bar for this year’s festival—and beyond.

How Do Consumers Feel Heading into the Holidays?

While shoppers are feeling cautious about spending, there is no average consumer. Winning retailers will unwrap the differences.

2023 Holiday Shopping Outlook

Bain forecasts 3% nominal growth in US retail sales this holiday, the lowest since 2018. Six tips can help retailers weather the snowstorm.

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