Reasons to Read

Where, when and how will US consumers spend for holiday 2026? We analyze findings from our proprietary holiday 2026 US consumer survey to offer critical insights on the shape of demand and consumers’ shopping expectations for the holiday season.

We present our holiday sales projections, examine how shopper behavior will differ this year from last, and assess how the current economic and inflationary environment will impact spending.

Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions:

• What is Coresight Research’s projection for 2026 holiday retail sales and how is inflation shaping expectations?
• Why are more consumers shopping earlier this season and which income groups are driving this shift?
• What are the key motivations behind consumer holiday budgets and how is inflation influencing spending plans?
• How is generative AI transforming holiday shopping?
• Which retailers are expected to dominate and what matters most to consumers when choosing where and how to shop?

Data in this research report include: Holiday sales growth projections; consumer spending intentions by income group; inflation impacts on gift buying; AI and social media usage for gift discovery; reasale, product category and retailer preferences; online vs. offline shopping behaviors; credit and BNPL usage trends.

Companies mentioned in this report include: Amazon, Walmart, Target, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Costco, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Target, TJX, eBay, Best Buy, Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Bath & Body Works, Temu, Shein, Etsy, JCPenney, Old Navy, Gap, Apple, Home Depot, H&M, American Eagle Outfitters, Nordstrom, Burlington, Lululemon Athletica CVS Health, Walgreens, Lowe’s, Zara, Foot Locker, Ralph Lauren, Dillard’s, NIKE, Adidas, Skechers, Sally Beauty, Urban Outfitters, Trader Joe’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, Famous Footwear, Finish Line, DSW, Wayfair, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Publix, Uniqlo, Menards, Tractor Supply Company, Sprouts Farmers Market and RH.

Other relevant research:  

• All Coresight Research coverage of US holiday retail
• Coresight Research US Consumer Survey Databank provides additional insight into US consumer behaviors from our weekly surveys.