US buyers cut back during holiday season

Strong economy, low unemployment figures fail to boost sales this year

This year's holiday shopping season in the United States will be "more muted" than 2018 because many consumers planned to spend less despite a strong economy and record-low unemployment, Goldman Sachs researchers said.

The calendar also will limit spending. Last year, Thanksgiving - the traditional start of the holiday shopping season - fell on Nov 22. This year, it fell on Nov 28, shaving nearly a week off the time shoppers have to spend prior to Christmas.