Retail trends that shaped the holidays in 2023

From new marketing techniques to consumers spending despite inflation, here are the big takeaways from the latest holiday season. 

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 2, 2024

Consumers could return $82.1B worth of holiday merchandise, survey finds

To address the rising cost of returns, 44% of retailers have increased return or restocking fees, according to CBRE and Optoro.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 29, 2023

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How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

The Backroom: Doug Stephens’ retail predictions for 2024

The retail and branding expert discusses the state of the consumer, the habits companies should leave behind in 2023 and what lies ahead in the new year.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 28, 2023

Free shipping is more important to shoppers than same-day delivery: Forrester

The costs of implementing same-day and next-day delivery might not be worth it given the level of consumer interest in the service.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 28, 2023

Fragrance sees online boost during early part of holiday season: report

Online sales of prestige fragrance brands were nearly double the rate of in-store sales in the early part of Q4, according to Circana.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 26, 2023

Can retail sell hygge?

The Scandinavian concept of cozy gatherings and togetherness fits in well with the holidays. Until the excessive purchasing begins.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 24, 2023

The Weekly Closeout: Ecco opens in SoHo and will Something Navy be sold for $1?

The footwear brand opened in New York City as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, while the blogger-founded apparel company reportedly will be sold.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 22, 2023

Walmart outpaces Target, Macy’s for most recent holiday purchases: report

A fourth of respondents to a new survey said their last holiday shopping stop was at the big box retailer, followed by Target and Kohl’s. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 21, 2023

Miniso opens 100th US store

The new location in Orlando, Florida, is part of the retailer's strategy to become a lifestyle super brand known for joyful and fun products.

By Nate Delesline III • Dec. 18, 2023

More households are making mass retailers their primary grocery source, report finds

In November, 42% of households used a mass retailer for most of their in-store or online grocery shopping, per a Brick Meets Click and Mercatus survey.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Dec. 18, 2023

Half of US consumers expect to take on holiday debt: survey

Over a third of consumers expect to pay their holiday bills in two or more months, according to a new report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 18, 2023

The real impact of pop culture moments on style

Findings from Stitch Fix’s 2024 Style Forecast report illuminate how cultural phenomena are influencing our decisions when getting dressed.

By Loretta Choy, Chief Merchandising Officer, Stitch Fix • Dec. 18, 2023

Super Saturday timing means fewer expected shoppers this year, survey finds

The National Retail Federation predicts 142 million people will shop that day, which falls on Dec. 23, down from 159 million last year.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2023

Black Friday, Cyber Monday saw ‘lackluster’ consumer tech sales, report finds

Both unit and dollar sales declined year over year during Black Friday Week, and the average price of products was down during Cyber Monday Week.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 14, 2023

Dollar General among fastest growing brands for Gen Z TikTok users: report

Inflation and the pursuit of cheaper alternative products could be driving interest in the discount retailer, Morning Consult said.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 12, 2023

Half of U.S. consumers left most of their shopping for December: report

Even though many retailers launched deals in October, a portion of holiday shoppers have waited until this month to start, according to a survey. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 8, 2023

More holiday shoppers to buy with small businesses: survey

Interest in buying gifts in-store is higher at independent businesses than at some large retailers like Macy’s and Best Buy, according to a report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 6, 2023

Consumers state high intent to buy more online in 2024: survey

While Amazon is the preferred e-commerce retailer overall, Walmart is the top pick for online grocery shopping, a Bank of America survey found.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 5, 2023

The Weekly Closeout: Petco slashes outlook and what’s going on at Uoma Beauty?

The pet retailer missed Q3 estimates, while the makeup brand could be at risk of closure by the UK government. 

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 1, 2023

Thanksgiving holiday weekend sees ‘record number’ of shoppers: NRF

Over 200 million consumers shopped on Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, surpassing expectations by more than 18 million. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 1, 2023

Dollar Tree may shrink Family Dollar footprint: CEO

Rick Dreiling said the company has initiated a comprehensive review of its Family Dollar banner after it missed expectations in Q3.

By Nate Delesline III • Nov. 29, 2023

Cyber Monday shoppers spent $12.4B online: Adobe

Digital sales during the holiday grew 9.6% year over year as shoppers embraced mobile and buy now, pay later.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 29, 2023

Amazon Cyber Week sales surpass previous years

The e-commerce giant is touting a successful Black Friday and Cyber Monday, despite declining to share exact figures.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 29, 2023

Winners and losers of Black Friday 2023

Data shows consumers turned to mobile to shop, while some analysts lowered their forecast for the season.

By Nate Delesline III • Nov. 25, 2023

Best Buy sales fall 8% as electronics demand stumbles

The retailer lowered its guidance as a result of consumer uncertainty, but CEO Corie Barry said the sector should stabilize next year.

By Cara Salpini • Nov. 21, 2023