Holidays & Seasonal Trends

Foot traffic is set to surge across America’s premier shopping corridors this holiday season. Placer.ai data highlights how 5th Avenue, Rodeo Drive, and the Magnificent Mile each follow distinct seasonal patterns – and attract a mix of affluent visitors, families, and young singles.

Summary: Full-service restaurants across the U.S. see major traffic spikes on Veterans Day as they honor service members with free meals and special offers. Data from last year shows how these gestures strengthen community connection and business performance.

Early-October sales events from major retailers aimed to capture value-seeking consumers across channels. While in-store traffic softened, e-commerce activity surged, highlighting how early promotions now set the stage for holiday demand both online and in-store.

Holiday 2025 reveals a split in consumer behavior. Affluent shoppers drive luxury growth, while budget-conscious consumers seek deals. Retail success depends on timing, precision, and understanding shifting priorities.‍

Economic uncertainty and rising prices are causing consumers to pull back on discretionary travel, opting for shorter, regional "micro-cations." This shift is reshaping the traditional summer vacation, leading to less driving and flying, a trend visible in gas station and airport traffic data. This cautious consumer behavior is expected to influence the broader retail and travel landscapes for the remainder of 2025.

Staples defied retail challenges and store closures by pivoting to services and B2B solutions. Overall visits in Q2 2025 exceeded 2019 levels, and average visits per location significantly increased. This strategic shift has also led to more frequent customer visits.

Summer 2025 airport visits lag overall YoY since February, hinting at a slower season. Despite this, New England and Northwest states show growth. Specific DMAs in Florida and California also defied overall declines. This suggests travelers are more discerning, impacting broader travel patterns.

Target's visits slowed post-mid-2022. August's seasonal strength offers a comeback chance. Its August audience includes families, singles, and students. Target can leverage diverse offerings and in-store experiences to drive loyalty and year-round traffic.