Holiday Shopping Season Kicks Off Strong with Retail Sales Showing Continued U.S. Economic Momentum

A delayed government report revealed that U.S. retail sales climbed **0.6% in November**, exceeding expectations and signaling a **strong start to the 2025 holiday shopping season**—a key driver of consumer-led growth in the broader economy. Economists had predicted a 0.4% gain, but consumer spending surprised on the upside, showing renewed vigor after a slowdown earlier in the fall. Credit‑card data from Visa and Mastercard also pointed to a roughly 4% increase in consumer purchases during the same period. Growth was widespread across sectors, with notable sales increases at auto dealers, home improvement stores, gas stations, clothing retailers, and restaurants—the latter often viewed as an indicator of consumer confidence. Despite ongoing challenges such as inflation, tariffs, and slower job growth, this retail strength suggests that consumer spending remains resilient and continues to support above‑average economic growth. If holiday season trends carry into December, the fourth quarter could show strong GDP results. #RetailSales #HolidayShopping #USEconomy #ConsumerSpending #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM