The history of holiday retail trends

Traditions old and new: Holiday retail trends over the decades

This year marks 35 years of Deloitte’s annual holiday survey! To celebrate, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with the leaders who were at the forefront of the retail industry over the past few decades. Former Macy’s executive Peter Sachse, who led the department store in various roles from 1980–2007, shares his learnings and insights alongside a lineup of Deloitte leaders (Stacy Janiak, Rod Sides, Alison Paul, and Kasey Lobaugh) who tracked the trends and advised the retail industry through some of its greatest disruptions to date.

Stay tuned—our 2020 holiday survey is coming out soon! Until then, you can explore the findings from our 2019 holiday survey.

How are the holidays shifting? I believe the market share-gainers have three things in common. And they all start with an O. The gainers are either going to be off price. They're going to be off the mall or they're going to be online.

⁠—Peter Sachse, former CGO, Macy's

About That Makes Cents

Our consumer podcast, That Makes Cents, dives into what consumers are thinking, feeling, and buying right now. Host and Deloitte leader Bobby Stephens talks with industry experts to help you navigate the evolving consumer industry and prepare for what’s next.

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