Gen Z is spending big, shopping in person, and using AI for the holidays. Young adults’ intended holiday budget—over $1.6K—more than double what Boomers plan to spend on gifts this year. However, 60% of the young gen also “reports holiday-related debt anxiety.” They want the gifts they give to have a personal touch, which may be part of why 40% of Gen Z and Millennials are planning to shop at malls specifically. Millennials especially like the “festive atmosphere and nostalgic charm” of shopping in person, while both gens report it reduces their holiday shopping stress. Though, there is likely still going be a digital element to their shopping: the young gens often look online first before buying in person, and 69% trust artificial intelligence to help them find deals. (WWD)
📊 YPulse data: 64% of 13-39-year-old holiday shoppers planned to shop in a physical store this year
