Data show consumer spending from November 1 through Christmas Eve rose 3.1% year over year — a figure in line with the decade leading up to the pandemic and another positive sign for the economy. ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: Shoppers aren't holding back this holiday season. Although retail spending is not as rip-roaring as it was last year, the numbers are still up. And that's just the most recent good sign for the broader economy. NPR's Becky Sullivan reports. BECKY SULLIVAN, BYLINE: During the pandemic, shoppers, flush with cash from stimulus checks, spent more than ever - spending big on outdoor equipment and furniture for home offices all while inflation drove prices higher and higher. So year to year, holiday spending grew by 8 or even 12%. This year, it's back to a very normal 3.1% according to data released Tuesday by Mastercard. And that means it was a good year for shoppers and retailers alike, says Burt Flickinger. BURT FLICKINGER: Consumers spent, and they s...
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