Holiday Shopping Spending Expected to Top $1 Trillion as Consumers Remain Selective

Missoula, MT, October 16, 2026 —

Americans are expected to spend more than $1 trillion on holiday shopping, with sales projected to rise by more than 4% compared with last year. The outlook points to continued growth in overall spending, even as consumers are anticipated to make selective choices.

Inflation and high energy costs are identified as factors shaping consumers’ approach to holiday purchases. The available information does not specify which products or shopping categories consumers may prioritize, how spending expectations differ among households, or how the projection was calculated.

Retailers, meanwhile, are described as cautiously hiring seasonal staff. Their hiring plans come amid rising expenses, though no details are provided about the number of positions, the types of retailers involved or the expected pace of hiring. The information also does not state whether retailers expect staffing levels to increase or decrease compared with last year.

The spending and sales figures are projections, not reported final results. No source, publication date or forecasting methodology was provided, and the estimate’s geographic and measurement details beyond Americans’ holiday shopping were not specified. As a result, the figures offer a broad outlook rather than a detailed breakdown of expected consumer behavior or retailer plans.

Together, the projections describe a holiday season in which aggregate spending is expected to grow while consumers remain selective and retailers weigh seasonal hiring against higher expenses. Actual spending and hiring outcomes were not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by Scripps News Group on www.kpax.com, see more information here.