Retail Sales Analysis: December 2025

What do flat retail sales during the holiday season reveal about consumer spending — and where is the pressure really building?

This report takes a closer look at December retail performance, where sales came in flat following a 0.6% increase in November, signaling a slowdown during a critical shopping period.

From mixed category performance to weaker momentum in discretionary segments, the data highlights how inflation and economic uncertainty are beginning to impact consumer behavior.

While full-year retail sales remained strong, the real story lies in slowing holiday demand and spending that is no longer keeping pace with rising prices.

But here’s the catch —With a growing divide between higher-income and budget-sensitive consumers, and inflation continuing to pressure purchasing power, an important question emerges:

Is consumer spending truly resilient, or is the retail landscape shifting toward a more uneven, K-shaped recovery?

👉 Download the full report to explore key insights, performance trends, and what’s next for U.S. retail sales.