With just 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year (five fewer than last year), industry stakeholders knew of the challenges that the 2024 holiday shipping season faced.
A variety of hurdles arose over the year, such as disruptions in the Red Sea and labor difficulties at East and Gulf Coast ports, which affected product movement into the U.S. during October. October is a key month as it marks the start of many consumers’ holiday shopping. Despite these challenges (and others), business’s found ways to adjust and keep operations running smoothly.
So how did the holiday season in 2024 turn out?
Key Takeaways:
- 2024 holiday season sales grew year-over-year
- Making peak seasons a success
Record Numbers
Data released by the U.S Census Bureau reveals that core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surged by a surprising 4% compared to 2023, reaching a record of $944.1 billion. This holiday total includes online and other non-store sales, which saw an 8.6% increase, reaching $296.7 billion, according to a National Retail Federation article.
Electronics, appliances and furniture stores were the leading non-online stores for November-December holiday sales on a year-over-year basis. As the NRF notes in their press release, sporting goods, building materials and garden supply stores remained unchanged.
For the entire year, sales increased by 3.6% from 2023, totaling a record $5.28 trillion, according to the NRF.
Making the Holiday Season a Success
At InterlogUSA, we understand that the holiday season is more than just a time for celebration. It’s a critical time for businesses to meet consumer demand and navigate the complexities of global supply chains.
Despite the challenges that came last year, our customers were able to navigate through them with our services and solutions. What led to the success? In short, by providing customized contingency plans and risk management strategies, backed by strong overseas partnerships, industry expertise, and knowledge of the latest market insights. For a deeper dive into how we can support your business, let’s talk! Feel free to reach out at support@interlogusa.com.
As we step into the second month of the year, we continue to be dedicated to helping businesses adapt to the ever-changing challenge of the global marketplace. Whether it’s coordinating shipments across oceans, by air or land, managing complex regulations, or delivering tailored solutions to keep goods flowing smoothly, InterlogUSA is your trusted partner in navigating today’s fast-paced and dynamic shipping landscape. Our services ensure that your business is always ready to meet consumer demand and thrive, no matter the season.
InterlogUSA continues to stay up to date on the latest in the market, providing our customers and readers with the latest industry news. You can sign up for our weekly ‘Competitive Edge’ newsletter for more industry updates, news, and latest developments. Sign up (it’s free). If you have any questions or would like to speak to us directly, send us an email at support@interlogusa.com