Author - Stephanie Carls
The holidays may still feel far off, but shoppers are already getting started. And they are not just browsing. Holiday spending may be under pressure this year — but shoppers are proving they’ll go over budget when the value feels worth it. According to a RetailMeNot survey of 1,000+ adult shoppers, deep discounts (54%), cash back rewards (34%), and easy-to-find promo codes (30%) are the toptriggers pushing people to spend more than planned.
From budget pressure to pricing uncertainty, shoppers are choosing strategy instead of last-minute stress. And with platforms like RetailMeNot, stacking savings with sales, promo codes, and cash back is helping them stretch every dollar.
To make the most of what they spend, many shoppers are using platforms like RetailMeNot to stack promo codes, sales, and cash back.
Waiting for Black Friday? You may already be late.
Why so soon? Rising prices and uncertainty have people spreading out purchases, watching sales, and shopping on their own terms. Early doesn’t mean finished — shoppers are pacing themselves, waiting for the right deal, and using platforms like RetailMeNot to stack savings as the season unfolds.
Consumers are watching their wallets:
But those limits bend when the deal is compelling:
Cash back is especially powerful — 80% say it influences their choices, with more than one-third (36%) saying it strongly drives where and how they shop.
Black Friday still leads, but consumers are mapping their savings strategy across the whole season:
October has become the unofficial kickoff, with shoppers chasing multiple waves of deals rather than waiting for one weekend blowout.
Holiday shopping is no longer either/or:
Shoppers are blending convenience and inspiration. Gift ideas come from:
Top holiday stressors:
Tariff-driven increases are especially disruptive: 40% would switch brands, 31% would shop earlier, and 30% would shift to domestic/local retailers.
Holiday 2025 is defined by earlier planning, stricter budgets, and smarter spending strategies. Shoppers are stacking deals, chasing cash back, and redefining what makes a purchase “worth it.”
For retailers, the message is clear: steeper markdowns, layered savings, and loyalty-driven rewards aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re the key to unlocking bigger baskets in a tighter budget year.
Holiday 2025 is not just about shopping earlier. It is about shopping with a plan. From cash back to layered discounts, shoppers are building their own savings strategies and using tools that help them feel confident in every purchase.
We’re calling it precision shopping. And it is already reshaping the season.
Ziff Davis Shopping Q4 Consumer Survey, fielded on August 28, 2025. N= 1064
About Stephanie Carls
Stephanie CarlsStephanie Carls is an award-winning social media strategist, expert content creator, and on-camera personality with over a decade of experience driving audience engagement and brand growth. As the brand ambassador and video host at Ziff Davis Shopping, she combines her skills in producing dynamic video content with her deep experience in leading and building successful social media teams. Stephanie has collaborated with top-tier brands to deliver impactful videos, live streams, and digital campaigns that connect with and inspire diverse audiences.
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Usage limits vary by retailer and coupon type. Some codes are one-time use only, while others can be used multiple times. Check the coupon terms for specific usage restrictions, or try the code again to see if it's still valid.
Yes! Coupon codes work on mobile websites and apps. Some retailers offer mobile-exclusive codes. Enter codes in the promo code field during mobile checkout, just like on desktop. bloomvoucher.ink is mobile-friendly for easy code access.
Find your desired code on bloomvoucher.ink, click to reveal it, copy the code, proceed to the retailer's checkout, paste the code in the promo code field, and apply it. The discount should reflect in your total before payment.
