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How much impact does the holiday season have on US retail?  Holiday retail Why two hyper-charged months matter more than the other ten High-level framing The  holiday season impact on US retail  is massively out of proportion to the calendar: roughly  one-fifth of annual retail sales  and an outsized share of profit are packed into November and December. That makes these weeks a stress test for pricing, inventory, e-commerce performance, and consumer confidence. If you work in or around retail, understanding how concentrated this demand is — and how fragile it can be — is key to reading results, planning strategy, and managing risk. The 20% that decides the year The short answer: the holiday season is a big deal. In a typical year,  November–December accounts for about 18–20% of annual U.S. retail sales , even though it’s just one-sixth of the calendar. For some chains, especially toys, hobbies, and seasonal goods,  25–30% of y...

How has Christmas grown from an economic perspective? December 25, 2024 | Branding, Business Growth, Customer Loyalty, Marketing, Question a Day, Tradition Question a Day How Christmas Has Grown Over the Years: An Economic  Perspective Christmas isn’t just a season of joy and goodwill; it’s also one of the most significant economic phenomena worldwide. Over the years, Christmas has transformed from a modest religious holiday into a global economic powerhouse. Let’s examine its growth from an economic standpoint and how it has become an integral part of markets and consumer behavior. The Humble Beginnings of Christmas Commerce In the early days of Christmas celebrations, economic activity was limited. Gift-giving was modest and often handmade, focusing on sentimental value rather than extravagance. Local markets would experience a slight uptick as families prepared simple feasts, but the holiday wasn’t a major driver of the economy. Key Economic Features of Early Christmases: Barter...

 What is the economic impact of Thanksgiving? The Economic Impact of Thanksgiving: More Than Just a Feast Thanksgiving is a pivotal moment in the American economy. While it warms our hearts and fills our bellies, its financial effects range from retail windfalls to supply chain strain. Let’s carve into the layers of Thanksgiving economics to uncover how this holiday influences industries, workers, and even global markets. 1. Thanksgiving and Retail: The Catalyst for Holiday Spending Thanksgiving's proximity to Black Friday and Cyber Monday creates a retail phenomenon that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Thanksgiving Weekend Shopping: The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that in 2023, over 190 million shoppers participated in Thanksgiving weekend shopping, spending an average of $325 per person. Impulse Purchases on Thanksgiving Day: Retailers like Walmart and Target now offer deals on Thanksgiving itself, driving billions in same-day sales. Consumer Psychology: Thanks...