COLUMBUS, OH – November 20, 2025 – Ohio retailers are gearing up for a strong holiday season, with total sales expected to climb 3.1 percent to $32 billion , according to the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants’ 2025 holiday sales forecast from the University of Cincinnati Economics Center. This growth exceeds the 2.5 percent increase recorded during the 2024 holiday season.

“This positive forecast reflects Ohio’s continued economic vitality,” said Gordon Gough, President and CEO of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants . “We’re seeing a resurgence in consumer spending as Ohioans enjoy the benefits of the holiday season.”

Economic Factors Driving Sales Growth

Brad Evans, Executive Director of the University of Cincinnati Economics Center, highlighted several key factors fueling the i

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