This year's holiday shopper is arriving with a budget, a list, and a clear question for every purchase: is it worth it? In this on-demand session, Circana's Kiara Barrett walks through the latest consumer research and sales data to show where holiday demand is really coming from, and where it's quietly slipping away.
What you'll learn
Where spending is growing, and where it isn't. Why this season's growth looks different from previous years, and what that means for your plan.
What "value" means to shoppers now. Why discounts alone aren't closing the sale, and what's working instead.
How the holiday calendar is changing. The season isn't simply starting earlier. Learn what's really happening and how to show up at the right moments.
The new path to discovery. More than four in 10 shoppers have already used AI somewhere in their holiday journey. See how social media and AI tools are shaping what lands on the list, and the hidden risk for brands.
Where shoppers are still willing to trade up. The categories and occasions gaining momentum.
4 priorities for the rest of the season. Practical actions brands and retailers can take before the final holiday push.
Who should watch
Marketing, merchandising, insights, and commercial leaders at brands and retailers planning for the remainder of the 2026 holiday season.
