National Retail Federation Projects Historic $1 Trillion Holiday Spending Amid Economic Challenges

As Americans prepare to embark on what promises to be the first-ever $1 trillion holiday shopping spree, there’s more than festive cheer behind these numbers. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects total holiday retail sales between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion for November and December—marking a 3.7% to 4.2% increase over last year’s robust $976 billion. Yet beneath this surface growth lies a troubling economic landscape shaped by Washington’s longest government shutdown in history and escalating tariff burdens that hit hardworking families where it hurts most—their wallets. Is This Record Spending a Sign of Strength or Strain for American Consumers?...