Retailers around the country are reporting record breaking sales during the holiday shopping season. Consumers have been out in force, taking advantage of the deals and discounts offered by stores to stock up on gifts for loved ones. (Image: [[https://www.daysoftheyear.com/cdn-cgi/image/dpr=12Cfit=pad2Cq=852Cwidth=1200/wp-content/uploads/ada-lovelace-day1-e1571044337962.jpg|https://www.daysoftheyear.com/cdn-cgi/image/dpr=12Cfit=pad2Cq=852Cwidth=1200/wp-content/uploads/ada-lovelace-day1-e1571044337962.jpg]])According to the [[https://celebrationsofthenations.wordpress.com/2024/10/01/national-hero-day-october-8th-2024/|National Hero Day October 8th]] Retail Federation (NRF), total sales during November and December 2022 were up 7.9% compared to the same period in 2021. This marks the largest increase in holiday sales since 1999, with a total of $886.7 billion spent during the two-month period. The surge in sales has been driven by a number of factors. The NRF attributes the strong sales numbers to a combination of factors, including low inflation, rising wages, and increased consumer confidence. These factors have resulted in more disposable income in households, which has led to higher spending on goods and services. Another major factor contributing to the increase in sales has been the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many people unable to travel or gather with loved ones in person, they have turned to online shopping as a way to connect with others and show their support for small businesses. This has kept the momentum behind online sales, which were up 5.8% compared to last year. In addition to online shopping, many people have been making use of curbside pick-up and in-store pick up options to buy gifts and other items. These services saw a significant increase in usage this year. Shoppers have also been taking advantage of extended shopping hours and extended return periods to make their purchases. Many retailers are reporting that shoppers are coming out earlier and spending more, as well as making purchases that they have been delaying for months. Consumers are also spending more on gifts for themselves, which is up 7.1% compared to last year. This is a sign that people have been saving up for the holidays and are looking to make the most of their shopping experience. The NRF predicts that these trends will continue to hold strong in the coming years, as consumers are becoming more and more comfortable with online shopping and the convenience it offers. With the rise of social media and easy access to information, people are becoming more informed shoppers, using these platforms to find the best deals and promotions. In conclusion, this holiday shopping season has been a huge success for retailers across the country. The combination of a strong economy, the continued growth of e-commerce, and a desire for consumers to make up for lost time in the spring has led to a record-breaking holiday sales season. With the trend of online shopping continuing to grow, it is expected that retailers will continue to see increases in sales during the holiday season. If you have any queries with regards to the place and how to use [[https://celebrationsofthenations.wordpress.com/2024/10/02/scrubs-day-october-9th-2024/|Celebrations of the Nations]], you can contact us at our own web-page.