The holiday season is right around the corner, and Americans are beginning to prepare. Each year, new patterns and trends emerge when it comes to holiday shopping, and 2025 is no different. By studying consumer financial data, it becomes easier to predict shopping trends.
Although 2024 was a record-breaking season for holiday shopping, consumers are approaching 2025 with more caution. This is in part due to financial challenges, such as student loan impacts and high savings rates. Tools such as Equifax’s Market Pulse Index are helpful in understanding the financial situation in the United States. The index for the average US population has been decreasing over the last few years, and measures in at 61.4 in 2025.
Consumers are coping with financial challenges during the holidays by turning to tactics such as early shopping and Buy Now, Pay Later. In fact, 67% of parents say that they would use Buy Now, Pay Later to make holiday purchases such as vehicles, furniture and electronics. Another trend is an increase in domestic holiday travel; experts predict that 55% of Gen Z will travel over the 2025 holidays.
There are so many factors influencing holiday shopping patterns. By tapping into data, you can develop a nuanced understanding of consumer behavior. This is incredibly useful as the busy holiday season arrives, as it can help consumers and retailers prepare.
Source: Equifax
About Post Author
