Holiday Spending Shifts: Fun, Fixes, and Footwear Take the Lead

This holiday season, people are spending big on experiences and practical items rather than just traditional gifts. From December 1 to December 22, there was a huge increase in spending on entertainment, experiences, and automotive products. Entertainment spending jumped by 130%, experiences by 115%, and automotive products by 100%. This shows a big change in what people are buying during the holidays. People are also buying a lot of shoes, headphones, and gaming gear. Shoes were the most popular category, with classic styles like Nike Air Force 1 and UGG Lowmel leading the way. Children's shoes were also a big hit. Headphones came in second, with Apple AirPods and premium models from Sony and Bose being the most popular. Gaming consoles, especially the Xbox Series X and Series S, saw a lot of interest.Handbags and fragrances were also popular. Practical, everyday styles from brands like Michael Kors and Coach were favored over flashy designs. Classic scents like Carolina Herrera Good Girl and Dior Sauvage were top sellers. This shift in spending shows that people are prioritizing experiences and practical items over traditional gifts. It also highlights the growing popularity of flexible payment options, which make it easier for people to afford these bigger purchases.