Core Insights - U.S. shoppers are willing to spend during the holiday season, driven by attractive deals despite declining consumer confidence and price anxiety [1][2] - Retailers are heavily discounting to attract consumers, resulting in sustained traffic and sales at Tanger's outlet centers [1][2] - Holiday traffic at Tanger's outlets has been strong, with full parking lots and consistent activity noted through November and December [2] Retail Spending Trends - U.S. retail spending increased by 4.2% year over year during the holiday season before adjusting for inflation, with in-store shopping accounting for 73% of total spending [3] - Online sales also contributed to growth, rising by 7.8% compared to the previous year [3] Consumer Confidence - Consumer confidence weakened in December, with the Conference Board's index dropping to 89.1, reflecting concerns over high prices and tariffs [4] - A recent survey indicated that 41% of Americans planned to spend less this holiday season, an increase of 6 percentage points from the previous year [5] Retailer Sentiment - Retailers express confidence in demand for 2026, indicating a positive outlook despite current consumer sentiment [5] - There is a trend among brands to control their own physical retail presence as department stores consolidate [6]