COVER STORY Selling Xmas: '24 Edition 15 tips to end the year on a profitable note BY SARAH SCHWARTZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF he winter holiday 2023 numbers are in, and the news is actually pretty good! The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that holiday spending was not only consistent with the average annual holiday increase of 3.6% from 2010 to 2019, it slightly increased. Core retail sales grew 3.8% over 2022, reaching a record $964.4 billion. That figure easily tops the previous record of $929.5 billion spent during the 2022 T holiday season. " Consumer spending was remarkably resilient throughout 2023 and finished the year with a solid pace for the holiday season, " explained Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist of NRF. " Although inflation has been the biggest concern for households, the price of goods eased notably and was helped by a healthy labor market, underscoring a successful holiday season for retailers. " NRF reported that online and other non-store sales were up 8.2% - a slight decrease from reporting last year. However, regardless of where a purchase occurs - on screen or in real life - healthy fourth quarter sales are essential to any retailer's survival. So, I queried several across the country to find out what succeeded in '23 - and to get a peek at this year's holiday plans. The mood was downright merry throughout the selling season at The Paper + Craft Pantry in Austin. All photographs courtesy of The Paper+Craft Pantry. 14 Summer 2024 | STATIONERY TRENDS