Half of Americans are shopping less this holiday season, survey says

RetailHalf of Americans are shopping less this holiday season, survey saysA large majority of consumers said they’ve seen prices climb above what’s typical for essentials like groceries and electricityByNiamh RowePublished 12 hours agoShare to XShare to FacebookShare to RedditShare to EmailShare to LinkGetty Images / BloombergThe majority of Americans are approaching the holiday season with tighter budgets and more cautious spending, according to a new nationwide poll conducted by AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Suggested Reading6 Caribbean islands offering the best retirement value right nowSouthwest Airlines wants in on the airport lounges businessMark Zuckerberg might make a big change to how Meta does AIAbout half of respondents said they are cutting back on non-essential purchases and delaying larger buys more than usual, reflecting significant shifts in consumer behavior compared to previous years. Half of respondents also said they are searching for the lowest price for items. Related ContentInside America's Costco economySouthwest Airlines wants in on the airport lounges businessA large majority of consumers said they’ve seen prices climb above what’s typical for essentials like groceries, electricity and holiday presents. The poll also found that 70% of Americans feel the economy is in poor shape under President Donald Trump. The findings echo broader data showing Americans are rethinking their holiday budgets. One survey by Rocket Mortgage and Redfin found that nearly a third of respondents said they expected to cut back on holiday décor this year and a quarter said they were scaling back gift buying. According to PwC’s 2025 Holiday Outlook survey, consumers expect their seasonal budgets to decline on average by 5% from last year — the first drop since 2020. About 80% of adults surveyed by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) said they’ll use credit cards to pay for gifts and travel this holiday season, and about half of them said they will delay paying off the balance.The president had promised to lower prices upon returning to the White House, but has found that inflation threatens his popularity just as it did for his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden. In fact, the findings echo an AP-NORC poll from December 2022, conducted during Biden's presidency when the country was gripped by even higher rates of inflation. While affordability has improved since then, Trump’s tariffs on U.S. imports have added to inflationary pressures. Despite writing on Truth Social in September that there is "virtually no inflation," echoing his campaign promises to reduce prices on "day one" of taking office, the numbers paint a different picture.The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that annual inflation rate was 3% in September, which is most recently available CPI data is available due to the government shutdown. 📬 Sign up for the Daily BriefOur free, fast and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.Sign me upThe Palatial: 3.5, 4.5 BHK Luxury ResidencesNew Launch: 3.5, 4.5BHK Homes starting @ ₹4.96 Cr*, Dwarka E-way.Hero Homes | SponsoredSponsoredLearn MoreUndo3.5, 4.5 BHK Homes starting at ₹4.96 Cr.*3.5 BHK Homes at ₹4.96 Cr+*, 4.5 BHK Homes at ₹6.05 Cr+*.Hero Homes | SponsoredSponsoredLearn MoreUndoMountain Gear for Extreme ConditionsShop the best in outdoor gear and apparel. High-altitude jackets, trekking boots, and more for your next adventure.Trek Kit India | SponsoredSponsoredLearn MoreUndoServiced Apartments by Hiranandani Coming Soon to AlibaugFully Furnished Serviced Apartments with Assured Rentals by Hiranandani Communities Now Coming Soon to AlibaugHiranandani Exclusive | SponsoredSponsoredLearn MoreUndoHiranandani Coming Soon to Alibaug With Assured RentalsFully Furnished Serviced Apartments with Assured Rentals by Hiranandani Communities Now Coming Soon to AlibaugHiranandani Exclusive | SponsoredSponsoredLearn MoreUndoPrateek Grand Begonia Siddharth Vihar, GhaziabadLuxury 2 & 3 BHK Apartments from Rs.1.30 Cr* At Siddharth Vihar, GhaziabadPrateek Group | SponsoredSponsoredBook NowUndoFDA Approved. Dentist Recommended.2,000+ dentists partner with Toothsi to deliver expert-backed, at-home smile makeovers.Toothsi by MakeO | SponsoredSponsoredBook NowUndoFlat 15k off on Toothsi invisible teeth aligners!Enjoy free Electric toothbrush & Teeth whitening pen worth 5KToothsi by MakeO | SponsoredSponsoredBook NowUndoStart Forex Trading. Get a 100% Welcome BonusFind out why you should join iFOREX, a regulated broker with over 25 years of experience. Open your iFOREX account and enjoy a 100% Welcome Bonus. Sign up today!iFOREX | SponsoredSponsoredSign UpUndoOption Trading: Mr.

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