Member Report: How AI, Resilient Budgets & Omnichannel Are Shaping 2026 Holidays
Despite economic concerns, consumers plan to maintain or increase their holiday spending through a mix of digital discovery and physical retail.
Shoppers are expected to spend more this holiday season despite concerns about rising costs, while AI tools aide in discovery and price comparisons, according to a new report from Epsilon.
In a recent survey of about 2,000 consumers, Epsilon examined how AI, rising costs and inflation concerns, and shifting shopping habits are influencing holiday plans. Key findings from the "2026 Holiday Shopping Trends" report include:
- Spending remains resilient: Rising costs aren't dampening holiday budgets. More than half of respondents plan to spend the same amount as last year, while 2 in 5 Gen Z and Millennial shoppers expect to spend more.
- Omnichannel shopping thrives: In-store and online shopping are equally popular, though Gen Z particularly values physical retail when buying gifts.
- AI drives deal-hunting: Nearly half (48%) of consumers use AI tools for holiday shopping, primarily turning to AI to compare prices (48%), find gift inspiration (47%) and search for deals (45%).
Download the full report.
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