Mastercard SpendingPulse forecasts 7.4% U.S. holiday retail sales growth this year

Mastercard SpendingPulse released its holiday forecast on Monday, with U.S. retail sales expected to rise 7.4% for the season, excluding autos and gas. Shoppers are expected to return to stores with in-store sales forecast to jump 8.9% versus 2020, or up 6.6% excluding autos and gas. And e-commerce is expected to increase 7.6%. "This holiday season will be defined by early shopping, bigger price tags and digital experiences. Over the past two years, retailers have learned a lot about what...