Inside J.C. Penney’s holiday marketing strategy

On the heels of a new $1 billion turnaround plan, the retailer’s seasonal push includes paid creators, video ads and a “Penney Prepper” challenge.

By Jessica Deyo • Oct. 25, 2023

September retail sales signal tepid holiday spending

This year, frugal consumers will likely continue to be careful and prioritize spending on experiences over goods, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 24, 2023

Why holiday spending is going to the dogs

As prep for the holidays begins, pets are increasingly landing on consumers’ gift-buying lists — sometimes over other family members.

By Caroline Jansen • Oct. 24, 2023

Holiday spend expected to reach $1.6 trillion: ICSC

While more consumers plan to spend more this holiday season, a new survey suggests they will shop at fewer stores.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 23, 2023

Walmart, Angi partner on holiday light installation

Shoppers can purchase help from a professional Angi installer via QR codes in Walmart stores. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 23, 2023

Gap looks to its heritage for ‘Gifted’ holiday marketing campaign

The seasonal effort includes a slew of partnerships and will span digital media, out-of-home, video, social media and Gap brand channels.

By Jessica Deyo • Oct. 23, 2023

Zulily pushes ‘Slay Button’ with Jonathan Van Ness for holidays

The button features five affirmations from the “Queer Eye” star designed to uplift moms during the often-chaotic shopping season.

By Jessica Deyo • Oct. 23, 2023

Kohl’s debuts front-of-store holiday gift shops

The retailer is rolling out deals, expanding its product assortment and launching a holiday gift guide at a critical time for the company. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 20, 2023

Etsy guarantees on-time delivery during the holidays

The e-commerce company is offering full refunds for gifts not delivered by their estimated date.

By Xanayra Marin-Lopez • Oct. 19, 2023

Holiday spending to surpass pre-pandemic levels: Deloitte

Shoppers are increasing their holiday budgets across income levels, but for those starting to repay student loans nearly half may cut back on spending.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 18, 2023

What holiday hiring efforts look like in 2023

As one of the latest to announce, Nordstrom said it plans to hire “thousands of employees” for store, supply chain and customer service roles.

By Retail Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 6, 2023

Toy retail rides pop culture wave to new heights

Leaders at Amazon and Mattel say movies and nostalgia help drive strong consumer interest for iconic brands ahead of the holiday shopping season.

By Nate Delesline III • Oct. 16, 2023

The Weekly Closeout: Nordstrom names HR chief and M&Ms wants to save the day this Halloween

Lisa Price returned to the department store, while the candy brand partnered with Gopuff to deliver last-minute treats on the holiday.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 13, 2023

Prime Big Deal Days beat last year’s fall sale, Amazon says

The e-commerce giant said hundreds of millions of items sold but didn't disclose exactly how much consumers spent during the event. 

By Nate Delesline III • Oct. 13, 2023

Nearly half of Gen Z will buy holiday gifts on social media, survey finds

Many in the generation expect to spend more than last year and will shop earlier if retailers introduce discounts sooner, according to a Shopify report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 13, 2023

Anthropologie, Pinterest partner on holiday showhouse

The companies are merging in-person and digital shopping through unique QR codes in every room of its Brooklyn Heights pop-up. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 12, 2023

Halloween is a $12B business. Why that couldn’t save Party City

The specialty retailer relies heavily on the holiday, but growing participation and spending wasn't enough to spare it from bankruptcy.

By Caroline Jansen • Oct. 10, 2023

Big Lots kicks off weekly Black Friday deals

The retailer is encouraging shoppers to come into stores to take advantage of big deals after two quarters of losses. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 9, 2023

US online holiday sales to surpass $221B this year: Adobe

More spending will occur on mobile devices than computers for the first time, and shoppers are expected to use buy now, pay later services, per the report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 6, 2023

Consumers look to Amazon first for online Halloween shopping: report

According to Jungle Scout, 44% of respondents turned to the e-commerce giant first, but just 10% would do the same for specialty Halloween websites.

By Nate Delesline III • Oct. 5, 2023

Target launches immersive toy experience

Online shoppers can explore a virtual room of products, as the retailer pushes affordable toys for the holiday season. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 4, 2023

Gen Z headed to malls this holiday season: report

Nearly half of young shoppers said they'll do their holiday shopping at malls as consumers plan to spend less on gifts.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 3, 2023

Credit card debt tops $1 trillion, before the holidays even arrive

Retailers may feel the pinch, especially those whose own store cards are facing rising delinquencies and a potential cap on late fees.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 2, 2023

Holiday spending to increase 3.7%: Mastercard

Consumer outlays for electronics and at restaurants are expected to boost expenditures this year, according to the card network.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 27, 2023

Halloween spending to reach $12.2B this year: NRF

Consumers once again plan to spend a record amount on Halloween as participation in the holiday is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

By Nate Delesline III • Sept. 21, 2023