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U.S. shoppers stepped up their shopping last month, fueled by a spending spree on big-ticket items, particularly cars, before President Donald Trump’s expansive new tariffs kicked in.

American consumers wrapped up the year in a spending mood, buying all sorts of merchandise from furniture to clothing and eating out at restaurants, according to the government.

Value was in vogue in 2024. Shoppers and restaurant patrons in the U.S. were choosy about where and how to spend their money as they wrestled with high housing and food prices.

Sales rose this year during the holiday shopping season even as Americans wrestled with elevated prices for many groceries and other necessities, according to new data.

Analysts are betting that further market-share gains and increased profit contributions from Walmart’s higher-margin ancillary businesses will extend the stock’s rally.

The value of retail purchases, not adjusted for inflation, increased 0.7% after upward revisions to the prior two months, Commerce Department data showed Dec. 17.

WASHINGTON — Americans stepped up their purchases at retailers last month as low unemployment, steady pay gains and rising stock and home values helped sustain their willingness to spend.

As Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters recede, truckers are ensuring supplies reach those in need.

An accelerated transition toward in-store shopping from ordering online is underway and set to aid the nascent #freight environment recovery, according to observers. 

Large grocery retailers’ annual profits rose during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained elevated since, which warrants deeper scrutiny, says a report by the Federal Trade Commission.