U.S. consumers spent more this holiday season while simultaneously changing how they shopped.
More customers turned to thrift stores and discount retailers, and made fewer impulse purchases, as economic factors shape consumption behavior, The Associated Press reported.
Shoppers continue to open their wallets despite concerns about inflation, interest rates, and household budgets. However, they are shopping intentionally. Data from Mastercard SpendingPulse and Visa Consulting & Analytics showed that total holiday spending using cash and cards increased modestly from 2024 levels. Read more at blackenterprise.com.
