Boxing Day sales in the UK have been subdued, with foot traffic and spending falling compared to previous years, as consumers remain cost-conscious amid economic pressures and a shift towards online shopping, leading to less significance for the traditional sales event.
Recent data shows a cooling in inflation and a slowing labor market, but with uncertainties due to data distortions from the government shutdown. While some signs of economic stabilization are evident, analysts remain cautious about the outlook for 2026, expecting clearer trends in early next year.
UK retail sales unexpectedly declined in November despite Black Friday deals, with supermarket sales falling for the fourth consecutive month and consumer confidence reaching a 16-month high, amid ongoing budget-related uncertainties and increased government borrowing, which is higher than expected but still lower than last year.
Recent US economic data shows warning signs with rising unemployment and stagnant retail sales, indicating a potential slowdown amid mixed signals of resilience in sectors like healthcare and construction. The reports, delayed by the government shutdown, suggest a cautious outlook for the economy, with the Federal Reserve having recently cut interest rates to support growth.
The article discusses the paradox of a strong economic indicator showing resilience in retail sales and job growth, contrasted with consumer sentiment remaining low and negative, highlighting a disconnect between hard data and public mood amid ongoing inflation concerns.
Despite consumers feeling gloomy about the economy and low sentiment levels, holiday shopping in the US remains strong, driven by lower-income resilience, early shopping, and inflation-related spending, though signs of caution and trade-offs are evident among shoppers and retailers alike.
U.S. Treasury yields declined as investors awaited a busy week of economic reports, including jobs data, inflation, retail sales, and housing figures, which will provide insights into the economy's health.
China's November retail sales growth sharply missed expectations, indicating a deepening economic slowdown with declines in consumption, investment, and industrial output, amid ongoing property sector struggles and cautious consumer sentiment. Despite government pledges for policy support, concerns remain about the sustainability of growth and reliance on exports, with calls for structural reforms and increased domestic demand measures.
During the Thanksgiving weekend, 202.9 million Americans shopped, the highest since 2017, driven by discounts and promotions, with online shopping increasing significantly. Retailers expect holiday spending to reach record levels of $1.1-$1.2 trillion, despite lower seasonal hiring and mixed economic signals.
U.S. stock futures declined after a strong rally last week, with investors taking profits amid ongoing economic concerns and upcoming Federal Reserve rate cuts. Oil prices rose following OPEC+ plans to maintain output levels, while Bitcoin and other commodities experienced mixed movements. Retail sales hit a record online, but market analysts warn of potential overreactions. The market's recent performance suggests cautious optimism for December, with focus on the Fed's upcoming decision.
GQ highlights over 90 Black Friday clothing deals from major retailers like J.Crew, Mr Porter, Nike, and more, with discounts up to 60%, covering essentials, outerwear, and designer labels, as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear during Cyber Week.
Black Friday 2025 saw a stronger-than-expected increase in retail sales, with a 4.1% rise excluding autos, driven by online and in-store shopping, indicating resilient consumer demand despite economic uncertainties. Online sales surged by 10.4%, and in-store visits increased slightly, supporting optimistic retail forecasts for the holiday season.
Black Friday retail sales in the US increased by 4.1% compared to last year, indicating consumer resilience despite economic challenges, with both in-store and online sales showing growth, though the future outlook remains uncertain.
Walmart is at risk of losing up to $2 billion if SNAP benefits are suspended due to the ongoing government shutdown, which could significantly impact low-income shoppers and overall retail sales, especially for Walmart and smaller retailers relying heavily on SNAP customers.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains the top-selling game in the UK for the second week, but its sales are lower compared to previous Pokémon launches, partly due to its focus on the newer Switch 2 console, which has a smaller user base. The game is the smallest retail launch for the mainline Pokémon franchise since 2018, with digital sales also contributing to its overall performance. Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 dominate the top ten, highlighting the console's strong market presence.