The Wall Street grinches have borne not-so-glad tidings about the upcoming holiday shopping season. Although consumer spending will be affected by current realities — falling home values, high gas prices, product recalls — the answer is not to close up the cash registers in resignation. An informed assessment of the current environment and of consumer trends can help retailers make sound business and planning decisions.

This article takes a deeper dive into some of the top economic issues that will impact consumer holiday spending this year, relevant survey findings that discuss consumer sentiment and purchasing trends, and strategies retailers can employ in response. The bottom line is that although the season undoubtedly will be difficult for some, there are many steps retailers can take to help improve consumers’ desire to spend.

Related Content:
Press Release: Deloitte 2007 Annual Holiday Survey Results 
Press Release: Deloitte Forecasts 4.5 to 5 Percent Increase in 2007 Holiday Spending 
Webcast: Gift Cards, Money Laundering and Fraud: Protecting Against the Perfect Holiday Storm 
Podcast: The News from the North Pole: Holiday Spending Predictions
ePress Kit: 2007 Annual Holiday Survey Press Releases and Media Contacts
Industry: Retail