Holiday season is November and December only. Sales forecasts are year-over-year nominal growth. Ten-year average is average of growth rates from 2015 to 2024. Bain defines US retail sales as unadjusted in-store and nonstore (e-commerce and mail order) sales, excluding sales by auto and auto parts dealers, gas stations, and restaurants.
Historical sales and forecast for Bain-defined retail sales are not seasonally adjusted.
The authors would like to acknowledge Megha Dasgupta, Sakshi Goyal, Himanshi H, Liz Vargo, and Sanket Anil Waghmare for their contributions.