U.S. holiday shoppers plan to spend briskly

Although Americans are less religious than in decades past, the holiday season remains a powerful force in the economy, with at least 86% of consumers planning to buy gifts this year. About a third (31%) anticipate spending up to $499, 18% say they will spend between $500 and $999, and 37% predict spending $1,000 or more. Eight percent say they will spend nothing or don’t celebrate the holiday, while 5% are unsure what they'll spend.