.png)
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
RMS Holiday Outlook 2026
12:00–1:00 PM ET
The NRF forecasts that U.S. holiday retail sales will increase 4.2% over last year, reaching approximately $1.013 TRILLION! On the plus side, the economy continues to expand, with real GDP growing at an annualized rate of 3.4% in the third quarter, supported by consumer spending and investment. However, inflation remains a concern, with consumer prices rising 3.7% over the year ending in September. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.75%–4.00% in October, while geopolitical uncertainty, higher gasoline prices, and pressure on household budgets continue to cloud the holiday shopping outlook.
What does all this mean for consumer spending during the most consequential quarter of the year? Jonna Kim, Director, Cowen’s Retail Equity Research Team will be joined by Jan Rogers Kniffen, CEO, J. Rogers Kniffen Worldwide and RMS board member to discuss the 2026 Holiday. Marie Driscoll, Retail Marketing Society President, will moderate the session.
Jonna and Jan will address the following topics:
What’s the overall outlook for Holiday ’26 sales compared to LY?
What sectors and product categories are expected to show increases or decreases over last year? What are the hot products this season?
How are online sales vs. in-store sales expected to perform this year vs. last year?
What companies/stocks are you recommending and why, as we move into the Holiday season?
How will Agentic AI impact Holiday sales?
As a reminder, there is no charge for RMS members to attend our webinars. There is a $50 charge for non-members to attend. Both members and non-members must register in order to participate in the webinar. Once registered, we will send you an email with the Zoom link. If you're not a member and would like to join RMS, our annual membership dues are $250 and you can join by visiting our Join RMS Page.
QUESTIONS?
Contact RMS Chairman Richard Baum at richardbaum@retailmarketingsociety.org or RMS President Marie Driscoll at mariedriscoll@retailmarketingsociety.org if you have questions or need more information. If you are enjoying our programs, we hope you will consider joining RMS.
Fees:
RMS Members: FREE
Non-members: $50
Date: Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual
* If you're not an RMS member, now is the time to join.
Benefits of membership include: free webinars, reduced rates on meetings and conferences; complimentary attendance at our in-person networking events; and a Membership Directory for networking purposes.
Jonna Kim
Director, Special Retail and Beauty
Jonna Kim is a Director on TD Cowen’s Retail & Luxury team covering Specialty Retail and Beauty. Prior to joining TD Cowen in 2018, Ms. Kim was an investor relations associate at JPMorgan Chase. Ms. Kim received a BA from Barnard College/Columbia University and a master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. Ms. Kim is a CFA charter holder.
Jan Rogers Kniffen
CEO, J. Rogers Kniffen Worldwide
Jan Rogers Kniffen is CEO of J Rogers Kniffen WorldWide, a boutique consulting firm working with retailers, investors in retailers and law firms engaged in suits involving retailers. Prior to founding his consulting firm Mr. Kniffen was a financial and operations executive with May Department Stores (now Macy's) as May grew from primarily a regional department store company to operating 19 department store names, two discount store companies, the largest shoe store business in the U.S., the largest bridal gown business in the U.S., the largest tuxedo rental business in the U.S. and 26 super regional malls. Mr. Kniffen started his retail career stocking shelves in the 26th Walmart store opened in the U.S.