Christmas spending POLL

In any year, the holiday season is a pivotal, make-or-break time for many businesses. But this year, while retailers are working even harder to entice consumers to get in the spending spirit, a number of factors are conspiring to keep shoppers at bay.

First, there is the general consumer malaise: Many people have already been struggling with the high cost of living after unusually high inflation and interest-rate hikes in recent years. In addition, the continuing shipping costs may be discouraging those who like to check off their “nice” lists online, for fear that gifts may not arrive in time.

In short, price-sensitive shoppers are looking for deals, putting pressure on businesses to compete.

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