Archive · 28 Aug 2026
US Holiday Spending Steady Amid Economic Concerns
Even though many people in the US are worried about the economy and prices going up, they still plan to spend about the same amount of money during the 2026 holiday season.
Some people will spend more, some will spend less, and others haven't decided yet.
People are being more careful with their money and are looking for good deals.
They are also starting their holiday shopping earlier and using computers to help them find the best prices and gifts.
Stores need to make sure their products and prices are easy for these computer tools to understand.
47% of US consumers plan to spend the same amount during the 2026 holiday season as last year.
23% plan to increase spending, 21% plan to decrease, and 9% are undecided.
Inflation is the biggest economic concern for 53% of respondents.
Consumers are starting holiday shopping earlier, with 45% planning to start by the end of October.
46% of consumers are likely to use AI tools for holiday shopping, primarily for comparing products and finding deals.
- Who
- US consumers
- What
- Holiday spending plans and economic concerns
- When
- 2026 holiday season
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Inflation and economic uncertainty
- Percentage planning same spending
- 47%
- Percentage planning to increase spending
- 23%
- Percentage planning to decrease spending
- 21%
- Percentage undecided
- 9%
- Biggest economic concern
- Inflation (53%)
- Percentage starting shopping by end of October
- 45%
- Percentage likely to use AI for shopping
- 46%