U.S. Shoppers Pull Back as Prices Bite This Holiday Season

Americans are heading into this year’s holiday shopping season with their wallets a little tighter. According to recent data, many shoppers are signaling plans to spend less during the Black Friday and holiday period. A growing share of consumers cited rising prices and economic uncertainty as the main reason for cutting back. Despite a projected record‑setting turnout of about 186.9 million shoppers between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday — slightly up from last year — retailers may see slower growth in overall sales as shoppers remain cautious. Many buyers are scaling back holiday spending, especially when it comes to gifts and non‑essential items. For some households, the difference is clear: while 2024’s gift spending might have reached close to $2,000, this year budgets are being slashed — some buyers now estimate spending only around $750. Shoppers say essentials like groceries, utilities, and other everyday costs are eating up more of their budgets, leaving less for discretionary holiday shopping. Retailers haven’t ignored the shift: many have launched early deals — sometimes weeks ahead of Black Friday — in hopes of capturing cautious but still present demand. Still, experts warn that promotions are thinner than in previous years, and many “deals” aren’t as steep — meaning shoppers may have to dig deeper to find real bargains. #BlackFriday2025 #HolidaySpending #ConsumerCaution #RetailTrends #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM