2025 HOLIDAY SEASON PROJECTED TO BRING THE STRONGEST GROWTH IN FOUR YEARS

(Raleigh – November 10, 2025) The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association and Appalachian State University Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis project the 2025 holiday season in North Carolina will be the best-performing period between 2022 and 2025, marking a strong rebound from the previous three years of fluctuation. Overall, total 2025 holiday sales are projected to reach $43.97 billion.

“This year’s holiday sales forecast shows the resiliency and strength of North Carolina’s retail industry, and the trust North Carolina consumers have in our retailers to find their holiday needs, from gifts for friends and family, to food, beverages and decorative items for holiday dinners and celebrations,” said Andy Ellen, President & General Counsel of the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, which sponsored the study.

The report includes projections for November-December 2025. Projections for November 2025 show a 1.63 percent increase over November 2024 and forecast a 2.65 percent increase for December 2025 over 2024. Historical trends indicate retail sales reach their highest peak in December.

The report states, “these findings signal renewed consumer confidence and steady growth, offering valuable insights for inventory management, pricing, and marketing strategies across the state’s retail sector.”

“Many retailers in North Carolina have faced difficult challenges in recent years,” continued Ellen. “We are encouraged by this report and hope everyone will  support North Carolina businesses whenever possible this holiday season.”

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Founded in 1902, the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA) is the voice of the retail industry for North Carolina, representing more than 25,000 stores across the state whose business represents 75 percent of North Carolina’s retail sales volume. NCRMA serves both large and small retailers from multi-state chains to local “mom and pops” and represents all genres of merchants. NCRMA’S ShopNC website and social channels showcase the attentive staff, unparalleled hospitality, and unique experiences North Carolina retailers provide to their local communities.

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