The 2025 holiday shopping season revealed resilient US consumer spending, with a 3.9% increase driven by low-cost options and discounts, despite economic concerns like slowing hiring and rising inflation. This strong retail performance, especially in budget-friendly categories, suggests consumer confidence remains robust, supporting overall economic growth, which expanded at a 4.3% annualized rate in Q3.
Many grocery stores such as Aldi, ShopRite, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods will be open on New Year’s Day 2026, though hours may vary by location, while some stores will be closed for the holiday. Shoppers should check with their local stores for specific hours.
Retailers are increasingly charging restocking fees for holiday gift returns, with 72% of merchants implementing such fees this year, up from 66% last year, prompting shoppers to be aware of policies, keep receipts, and return items promptly to avoid extra costs.
Most major U.S. retailers close or have reduced hours on Christmas Day, with some stores like Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven remaining open, often with modified hours. It's advisable to check specific store hours online or by calling ahead before visiting during the holiday.
Most grocery stores and pharmacies have reduced hours or are closed on Christmas Eve, with many closing early in preparation for the holiday, and most will be closed on Christmas Day. Shoppers should plan ahead for last-minute needs, especially with the upcoming Powerball jackpot drawing.
The article offers a variety of last-minute gift ideas that can be purchased quickly, including digital subscriptions like Headspace and Peloton, gift cards from Goldbelly and Airbnb, and same-day delivery options from retailers like Walgreens, 1-800-Flowers, and Target, ensuring you can find thoughtful presents even at the last minute.
The article highlights a limited-time $50 discount on the Nintendo Switch 2 bundle, including Mario Kart World, available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, making it an ideal last-minute holiday gift. It also mentions other holiday deals on gaming accessories and consoles, emphasizing the importance of acting quickly as quantities are limited.
Many major grocery stores have modified hours for Christmas and New Year's, with some open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but most are closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. Notable exceptions include Costco, Kroger, Publix, and Whole Foods, which have varying hours, so shoppers should check local store hours in advance.
San Francisco experienced a widespread power outage caused by a fire at a PG&E substation, affecting thousands of homes and businesses during a busy holiday shopping weekend. Most power was restored by Saturday night, with ongoing safety inspections and repairs. The outage disrupted transit and traffic, but no injuries were reported.
The article highlights top holiday deals including a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle for $449, PS5 Pro for $649, microSD cards, popular game discounts, and gaming accessories, perfect for last-minute gifts.
During the holiday shopping season, many US consumers are boycotting businesses aligned with Trump policies, supporting smaller and immigrant-owned businesses, and protesting companies like Target, Home Depot, Amazon, Spotify, and Tesla for their political stances and actions. The campaigns aim to promote ethical spending and support communities affected by immigration enforcement and political decisions.
Costco will close its stores on Christmas Day, one of only seven days a year it does so, aligning with other major retailers, to save costs and observe the holiday.
The Surface Laptop 7 with Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage is now available for $699.99 on Amazon, a significant discount from its previous price, and can be delivered before Christmas, making it an attractive holiday gift option.
Fairfax County police and the U.S. Secret Service discovered 20 credit card skimming devices at various stores during a pre-holiday operation, warning shoppers to be vigilant and check for suspicious devices to prevent theft of personal and financial information.
The Steam Winter Sale runs from December 18, 2025, to January 5, 2026, offering discounts on popular games like Clair Obscur, Silent Hill f, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and indie titles such as Stardew Valley and Baby Steps, making it a great opportunity for holiday gaming deals.
