Despite trade uncertainty, inflation and the government shutdown, the National Retail Federation anticipates sales in the 2025 holiday season will hit $1 trillion for the first time ever.

But a different forecast shows average consumer spend is expected to drop 10% from 2024. That’s according to professional services firm Deloitte, which found consumers are bracing for higher prices this season — and a weaker economy in 2026.

One technological development could help consumers tackle their holiday shopping lists. Artificial intelligence, which has so far assisted us by answering questions, making plans and even picking lottery numbers, is increasingly helping consumers shop. In fact, software company Adobe predicted AI traffic to retail sites Nov. 1-Dec. 31 will be six times higher than l

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