How Changes In Holiday Spending Are Reshaping Physical Retail

Holiday shopping has always been a make-or-break period for retailers. The final weeks of the year often determine whether brands close strong, clear inventory efficiently, or enter the new year under pressure. For retail real estate, the holidays are equally revealing. They show which locations still command foot traffic, which formats resonate with consumers, and how physical retail fits into an increasingly digital shopping journey. Black Friday and the broader holiday season are no longer just sales events. They are stress tests for the modern retail ecosystem.

This year’s holiday season is delivering a cautiously optimistic signal. Early forecasts pointed to modest growth, shaped by inflation fatigue and consumer uncertainty. That outlook has improved as the season unfolded. “We forecast a 3.1 percent increase this year. We are now resetting that number closer to 4 percent. It isn’t too much because of price increases, it is an increase in overall spend,” said Anjee Solanki, National Director of Retail in the U.S. for Colliers. That distinction matters for landlords. Growth driven by volume rather than price suggests consumers are still willing to shop, not just absorbing higher costs...

   ...more

RSK: Some good news for Brick n Mortar. Although foot traffic was down a bit for small shops, major malls saw an uptick and the trend has positive signs.

Ken Notes: We have to change our retail focus, retail is no longer passive, but must now be considered a entertaining destination. If tapping "Buy It Now" is easier than getting in the car -- why get up. We are seeking elements that turn shopping into an outing rather than an errand...