Discounts and sales events have remained a significant sales driver, as consumers emerge from a more than two-year stretch of high inflation. It’s unclear how much those deals will cut into Target’s and other retailers’ profit margins, and whether sales will keep improving if promotions fade away.

Sales for the 2024 holiday shopping season turned out to be robust and better than expected, as easing inflation on merchandise drove shoppers to buy, according to the nation’s largest retail trade group.

Americans stepped up their spending at retail stores and restaurants last month in a clear sign that consumers are still able and willing to shop

U.S. retail sales increased solidly in December, pointing to strong demand in the economy and further reinforcing the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to cutting interest rates this year. Retail sales rose 0.

Retail sales gained 0.4% in December from November, slightly below projections for a 0.5% increase, according to FactSet.