“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.”

For more information, check out the full report: https://ncrma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/North-Carolina-Holiday-Season-Retail-Outlook-2025.pdf