Wrapping Up 2024: The Biggest Holiday Consumer News Trends

A look at the consumer and retail news from PR Newswire in November and December that you might have missed.

The new year is here, but before we dive into 2025, we want to take some time to reflect on the past two months on the wire. In November and December, the consumer industry was buzzing with discussions on eco-friendly and sustainability retail, holiday shopping trends, and retail brands' philanthropy initiatives. These topics, along with shopping predictions for the year ahead, are shaping the future of how we buy and interact with brands.

Over 3,600 consumer news and retail releases were published by PR Newswire in November and December. To help you catch up, we’ll take a closer look at the trends that our team spotted.

The following stories are a few of readers' favorites from November and December.

• Big Lots Agrees to Strategic Transaction to Facilitate Preservation of Brand, Hundreds of Stores and Thousands of Jobs
• CHI-CHI'S™ Restaurants Set for Comeback After Two Decades
• Red Wing Shoes Expands Product Line with Launch of Three New Work Boots: Draftsmith, Polar X and Versapro
• Bath & Body Works Announces Annual Candle Day Deal

Consumer News Trends

Let’s take a closer look at the retail news trends that dominated the conversation this winter.

Holiday Spending

Several press releases this winter revealed key trends across consumer spending. Deloitte's 2024 Black Friday-Cyber Monday Survey revealed consumers planned to spend a record $650 during the promotional week, marking a 15% increase from 2023, with over 80% of respondents intending to participate in the deals.

Here are just a few of the shopping trend analyses sent via PR Newswire in November and December:

• Nearly 40% of Shoppers Plan to “Treat Themselves” Using Pay Later Options This Holiday Season, New Splitit Study Finds
• Americans Ready to Open their Wallets this Holiday Season
• 2024 Is Shaping Up to Be the Smallest Black Friday Ever: GoDaddy Study
• Financial Strain Dampens Holiday Cheer for Many Americans; Thrivent Survey Finds
• BMO Survey: Americans Plan to Spend Less This Holiday Season

2025 Predictions

From a 7.9% rise in holiday spending intentions, tempered by inflation-adjusted challenges, to Natural Grocers’ forecast of planet-friendly and wellness-focused choices, the evolving landscape reflects thoughtful consumer priorities in 2025. OpenTable's insights reveal increasing mid-week and experiential dining habits, while Lyons Magnus predicts bold culinary innovations like sweet-meets-spicy flavor profiles.

Together, these findings underscore the momentum of mindful spending, adventurous tastes and sustainability at the heart of modern consumer behavior. Shoppers will be prioritizing value and capitalizing on deals, particularly in clothing, electronics and toys.

Explore more insights and predictions in the press releases below:

• Future of Frozen Food 2025 Report Reveals New Frozen Food Trends and Generational Insights
• The Future of Online Shopping: Survey by SmartBuyGlasses Reveals What Americans Want Most in 2025
• Chartwells K12 is Thinking Outside the Lunchbox with their Top Ten Food Trends for Kids in 2025
• Taylor Morrison Unveils Top 10 Design Trends for 2025
• 2025 Wellness Survey: Sauna Tops Recovery Practices People Want to Try; Building Muscle Remains Top New Year's Fitness Goal in Annual Life Time Poll

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

During the holiday season, the team spotted several press releases showcasing innovative solutions and thoughtful practices that address modern consumer needs in diverse ways.

From the Etaker F2000 redefining outdoor power efficiency to Targus advancing sustainable tech accessories, brands were highlighting cutting-edge innovations and eco-consciousness. Meanwhile, OfferUp and Goodwill emphasized the cultural and environmental benefits of secondhand shopping, tapping into trends of sustainability, affordability and community impact. Together, these releases underline a shift toward smarter, more sustainable living while empowering consumers to make meaningful, value-driven choices.

Experience and discover more groundbreaking innovations in these press releases:

• Nexgen Packaging and Seaman Paper Partner to Bring a Dynamic Portfolio of Plastic-Free Solutions to the Retail, Apparel and Footwear Industries
• LG's Latest Indoor Gardening Appliance Shows Off Fresh New Design at CES 2025
• 1901 Collection: Redefining Eco-Friendly Swimwear with Style
• Women's intimacy brand INTIMINA revolutionizes period care with eco-friendly Bloom Period Underwear
• Waterless, Preservative Free & Plastic Free Global Disruption in the $600 Billion Cosmetic Industry
• Range-extended Ram 1500 Ramcharger to Lead Brand's Electrification Push
• Rosy Soil Raises $3.6 Million to Create Gardening Soil From Captured CO2

The Gift of Giving Back: Corporate Holiday Kindness

This past winter, companies large and small found innovative ways to make a meaningful community impact. Local initiatives like AdCellerant's partnership with Denver Human Services demonstrated how businesses were able to create lasting change in their local communities. Meanwhile, national brands leveraged their resources and reach for maximum impact. For example, check out ARM & HAMMER's creative approach to supporting animal welfare through its shelter-focused social media campaign. Not to be forgotten, DICK'S Sporting Goods orchestrated impactful community events featuring athletic superstars like Simone Biles and Dak Prescott across Texas.

Food drives and initiatives to battle hunger were also a major focus on the wire during the holidays. Here are a few more stories highlighting corporate philanthropy from November and December:

• Smithfield Foods Donates 50,000 Pounds of Protein to Mayflower Marathon Holiday Food and Fund Drive
• Goya Gives Back and Gives Thanks by Donating Over 300,000 Pounds of Food to Those in Need
• Fresh Thyme Market Hosts 9th Annual Round Up at the Register Event Encouraging Shoppers to Give Back this Holiday Season
• More ways to help Feeding America and its partners support people facing hunger this holiday season

This trend reflects a growing understanding among corporations that holiday giving creates meaningful connections between brands, their customers and the communities they serve, while addressing real social needs through strategic philanthropic efforts.

What’s Next

As we neared 2025, the consumer industry continued to evolve with eco-friendly and sustainable retailing, new shopping trends, and philanthropy taking center stage. From innovative product launches to record-breaking spending predictions, it's clear that the trends of late 2024 have set the stage for a dynamic year ahead.

What new quirky product collaborations will we see in 2025? Which brands will show up for the Big Game in February? How will we see AI implemented in the retail space?

Stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on these emerging trends that are already transforming the way we shop and engage with brands. The future of retail is unfolding now—don't miss out!

About the Author

Priscilla Rosero is a Customer Content Specialist who specializes in consulting clients when it comes to writing or distributing a press release. She is also an innovative storyteller who puts her vision into words. She is happy to release some positivity! You can connect with her on LinkedIn.