Consumer News: Holiday shoppers hit pause: How tight budgets and tariff worries are changing gift lists

Buy now, pay later hits new highs

Shoppers were more disciplined over Black FridayCyber Monday, prioritizing value
Buy now, pay later services hit new records as consumers spread out payments
In-store traffic fell even as online spending climbed faster than expected

Holiday shoppers took a more calculated approach to Black FridayCyber Monday this year, focusing on stretching budgets and minimizing impulse buys, according to new industry data. Rising prices across essentials and gifts pushed consumers toward a more strategic mindset and toward flexible payment tools.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services such as Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm and PayPal Pay Later continued their rapid rise. Adobe Analytics reports BNPL has driven $10.1 billion in spending so far this holiday season, up 9 percent from last year. Cyber Monday set a single-day record with $1.03 billion in BNPL purchases about 7 percent of all online spending.

PayPal said its BNPL transactions jumped 23 percent in the days leading up to Black Friday.

The appeal spans income levels, driven by convenience and the ability to spread out payments, said David Tinsley, senior economist at the Bank of America Institute. Most people remain light users, with just one to four BNPL purchases on their accounts.

Greater availability at checkout is also fueling growth, said Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester. BNPL could also just be going up because e-commerce is going up, she said.

But experts caution that the model isnt risk-free: missed payments can trigger interest charges, and financially vulnerable shoppers may be more susceptible to overspending.

The risks behind BNPLs rapid rise

Mounting debt from small purchases

Experts warn that buy now, pay later services can mask the true cost of purchases. Because payments are split into smaller installments, shoppers may take on more debt than they can comfortably manage especially during the holidays, when spending naturally spikes.

Missed payments can trigger fees or interest

While many BNPL plans are advertised as zero interest, that guarantee usually applies only if payments are made on time. Missed or late installments can lead to interest charges, penalty fees or account restrictions. Some providers also report delinquent payments to credit bureaus, risking long-term credit damage.

Lack of consumer protections

BNPL purchases generally fall outside traditional credit-card dispute frameworks. That can create hurdles for shoppers trying to resolve issues like incorrect charges, damaged goods or returns particularly when multiple retailers and payment platforms are involved.

Higher risk for financially vulnerable households

Analysts say BNPLs appeal is particularly strong among consumers facing tight budgets or limited credit access. These shoppers may rely on the services not for convenience, but necessity increasing the likelihood of missed payments and compounding financial strain.

Overlapping installment schedules

Because many shoppers juggle multiple BNPL plans at once, its easy to lose track of due dates. Overlapping payment schedules can create cash-flow crunches, leading to cascading late fees across several purchases.

Preholiday caution takes hold

With groceries, housing, energy and even key gifting categories rising in price some due to tariffs shoppers are increasingly wary.

People are being cautious, Kodali said. The economy from a retail standpoint has been really positive and this cant go on forever.

That caution shows up in the numbers. The National Retail Federation expects November and December spending to top $1 trillion for the first time, but analysts stress that higher totals largely reflect higher prices, not higher volume.

Online spending surges as stores see declines

Despite broader caution, online sales roared past forecasts. Adobe Analytics recorded $14.5 billion in Cyber Monday sales, up 7.1 percent year over year, and $11.8 billion on Black Friday, a 9.1 percent gain.

Brick-and-mortar stores saw a different pattern. Foot traffic on Black Friday dropped 2.5 percent at malls and 2.6 percent in downtown areas, according to MRI Software. Small Business Saturday declines were steeper, with mall visits down 4.3 percent and downtown traffic off 6 percent.

RetailNext, which tracks activity at more than 560 brands, reported an even sharper drop: traffic fell 3.6 percent on Black Friday and 8.6 percent on Saturday.

The shift doesnt mean shoppers sat out the weekend just that they shopped differently. Shoppers showed theyre done with the impulse-driven, one-day frenzy, said Joe Shasteen, global head of advanced analytics at RetailNext. Prices, tariffs, and tighter budgets pushed people to shop with discipline, not adrenaline.

Essentials rise, but gifts arent forgotten

Consumers also pounced on deals for everyday necessities. Among Shopify sellers, the top product categories were vitamins and supplements, followed by skin care and activewear. Adobe projects online grocery sales will hit $23.5 billion this season, up 9.3 percent from last year.

Were seeing promotions on essentials and the things that consumers feel they need first, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail adviser at Circana.

But even bargain hunters made room for festive splurges. Santa Claus is going to show up and is he going to show up with vitamins? Yeah, Cohen said. But hes also going to show up with a toy here and there.

Why skipping your initial breast screening matters even decades later

• Women who skip their first mammogram are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer over 25 years than those who attend.

• The study, based on nearly 433,000 Swedish women, found that skipping the first screening is linked to more advanced-stage diagnoses later on.

• Among those who skipped the first screening, nearly one-third never returned for future mammograms compounding the risk.

Its easy to think Ill skip that first mammogram, maybe go next time.

However, a new long-term study argues that this decision isnt harmless.

Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden tracked women invited to their first mammogram and discovered that skipping this initial screening can ripple into serious health consequences decades down the line.

The message? That first scan may be more important than many realize.

"Skipping the first mammogram is a strong indicator of who is at risk of late detection and higher mortality. Our results show that missing the first mammogram is not just a one-time choice, but often marks the beginning of a long-term pattern of not attending check-ups," researcher Ziyan Ma said in a news release.

The study

For this analysis, researchers looked at nearly 433,000 women in Stockholm, invited to their first mammography screening between 1991 and 2020. They followed their health records for as long as 25 years, combining screening program data with national cancer- and death-registries.

When they dove into the data, they compared outcomes including when and if women developed breast cancer, whether the cancer was caught early or late, and who died from the disease.

The aim? To see how much skipping that first screening mattered over time.

What they found and why it matters

Some of the most striking findings: 32% of women invited to their first screening never showed up. And those who skipped were far less likely to show up for later checks, too meaning a missed first test often marked the beginning of a long-term pattern of non-attendance.

Among women who eventually developed breast cancer, those who skipped the first mammogram were more likely to get a diagnosis at an advanced stage: about 1.5 times more likely to have stage III disease, and up to 3.6 times more likely to have stage IV.

Over 25 years, almost 1% of the women who skipped their first screening died of breast cancer compared to 0.7% of those who attended. That translates to roughly 40% higher long-term risk of dying from breast cancer.

Importantly, the researchers note that the overall number of breast cancer cases was similar between both groups (around 7.7%). That suggests the extra deaths didnt come from more cancers, but from cancers being detected too late, when they were harder to treat.

What this means for you (and why that first mammogram matters)

This study doesnt just offer statistics it offers a clear public-health message. That first invitation to a mammogram isnt optional fluff, it might truly make a difference in survival.

Skipping it can set off a chain reaction: fewer follow-up calls, fewer screenings, and tragically higher odds of an advanced diagnosis and death decades later.

Turn their holiday push into real savings on tech

• Best Buys strong quarter means more aggressive holiday discounts on laptops, tablets, TVs, and gaming gear, especially in upgrade categories

• The real savings are in solid markdowns and open-box/clearance items; tiny discounts on outdated models are usually not worth it

• Protect your wallet by skipping unnecessary add-ons, using price matching against Amazon/Walmart, and leaning on your credit cards built-in protections instead of extra warranties

Best Buy just gave shoppers a pretty big hint about this holiday season: people are still spending on tech, as long as its on sale.

Last week the electronics giant raised its annual sales and profit forecast after a stronger-than-expected quarter powered by discounted laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming gear.

Best Buy had comparable sales growth of 2.7% last quarter, easily beating Wall Street expectations and marking the retailers best same-store growth in four years.

Whats driving the tech comeback?

A few clear patterns are popping up in Best Buys numbers:

• Laptops and tablets are back. Computing and tablets make up roughly a third of Best Buys revenue, and they saw robust growth in the category. This was mainly from shoppers upgrading machines bought early in the pandemic or finally replacing old devices.
• Gaming is hot again. Demand for gaming systems got a big boost from Nintendos Switch 2. That and a continued interest in handheld gaming devices and their accessories.
• Deals are doing the heavy lifting. Best Buy credited steep discounts as the main reason they were able to pull shoppers in. So while consumers are clearly more cautious, theyre willing to spend their cash when the price is right.

Why this matters for shoppers

Best Buys positive outlook stands in contrast to some other big-box retailers.

Specifically, recent earnings from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot showed a more mixed picture, with customers focusing more on essentials, trading down, and putting off their big home improvement projects.

The split we see between Best Buy and other big-box retailers tells us a lot about how consumers are spending their money right now:

• Shoppers are still delaying some nice-to-have purchases and focusing more on needs vs. wants.
• But they will spend on tech that feels necessary. Think things like a new laptop for work or school, or a new TV that delivers a lot of entertainment value at home.
• Retailers that put real discounts in front of those needs, like Best Buy is doing, are the ones seeing the best results.

How to use this news to your advantage

If youre planning a tech purchase in the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, Best Buys raised forecast actually gives shoppers a bit of a roadmap.

The fact that they highlighted the importance of deal-driven demand means there are real discounts to be had. But like always, youll still need to shop smart.

Here are a few practical tips:

• Shop the upgrade categories. Products where Best Buy is seeing the most action include things like laptops, tablets, and gaming gear. All stuff that shoppers are upgrading to better models when the price is right. If these are on your list anyway, this is a good time to buy, as long as you compare specs and avoid overbuying just because its a deal.
• Watch for good, not great promos. A 10% or 15% markdown on older tech isnt always a deal if the specs are two or three generations behind. Use comparison tools and check original list prices; dont rely on a crossed-out list prices on the product page.
• Leverage open-box and clearance. With demand picking up, expect more open-box returns to cycle through stores and the website. These can run 15%50% off, depending on condition. Look for clear condition ratings, original accessories, and a return window.
• Be wary of add-ons. Add-ons like protection plans, accessories, and installation costs can easily erase whatever money you saved on the deal. So, before you say yes to Geek Squad or an extended warranty, check whether your credit card already offers extended protection and consider whether you really need extras like paid setup.
• Check price matching. Dont forget that Best Buy will price match major competitors like Amazon and Walmart as long as the item is identical. If you see a better price elsewhere, its always worth asking an employee about a match. This is especially true on more expensive tech items as a few minutes of your time can save you significant money.

The findings from a recent study highlight a surprising link between flavor and fat loss

• New human trials tested whether daily intake of black cumin seed powder could affect fat and cholesterol levels.

• The research combined lab studies (cells) with an eight-week human trial to assess both fat-cell behavior and blood lipid changes.

• Participants who consumed black cumin seeds saw reductions in bad fats (triglycerides and LDL) and increases in good cholesterol (HDL), without major side effects.

If youve ever cooked curry or tried Middle Eastern or Indian dishes, you might recognize tiny seeds from Nigella sativa black cumin.

Long valued in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, black cumin is now catching scientific interest not just for flavor, but for health.

A team at Osaka Metropolitan University recently embarked on a study to see whether black cumin might do more than enhance your cooking could it actually influence fat metabolism and support healthier cholesterol levels?

The study

To understand whether black cumin seeds truly influence fat and cholesterol, the researchers used a two-part approach: lab testing and a small human study.

• In the lab: Scientists looked at how black cumin extract affected developing fat cells. Normally, these cells grow, fill with fat droplets, and mature into cells that store fat. By adding black cumin extract during this process, the team watched to see whether the cells grew the same way or whether the extract slowed things down.

• In people: The researchers then moved beyond the petri dish. They asked volunteers to take five grams of black cumin seed powder every day for eight weeks basically a spoonful of ground seeds added to food or drinks. Before and after the study, they measured participants cholesterol and triglyceride levels to see if anything shifted over time.

The results

In the lab portion of the study, the researchers found that the extract seemed to interrupt the normal fattening process of fat cells. The cells didnt accumulate as many fat droplets, and their overall development into fat-storing cells was reduced.

After eight weeks of the in-person study, participants showed measurable changes in their blood lipids:

• Triglycerides went down

• LDL (bad) cholesterol went down

• Total cholesterol went down

• HDL (good) cholesterol went up
  

This study strongly suggests that black cumin seeds are useful as a functional food for preventing obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, Professor Kojima-Yuasa said in a news release. It was so gratifying to see black cumin comprehensively demonstrate actual, demonstrable blood lipid-lowering effects in a human trial.

What this means for you

While this is an early study and not a magic fix, it does point to something promising: a common, easy-to-find spice may offer some gentle support for healthier cholesterol levels and fat metabolism.

If youre someone who likes natural food-based options or you already enjoy spices with strong flavor adding a teaspoon to a tablespoon of ground black cumin to meals could be a simple way to experiment. It can be mixed into yogurt, sprinkled on savory dishes, or blended into smoothies.

Of course, this isnt a substitute for medication or professional medical advice, and larger studies are needed. But as far as functional foods go, black cumin seeds may be a small, affordable ingredient with big potential.

Pigment drains into the lymphatic system almost immediately

• Mouse research shows tattoo pigments move into lymph nodes within minutes and persist for months
• Ink triggered immune-cell death, chronic inflammation and weakened response to an mRNA COVID shot
• Findings add to growing evidence linking tattoos with elevated lymphoma and skin-cancer risks

Here's something your mother probably tried to tell you: Tattoo ink doesnt simply stay where its placed. New research from Swiss scientists shows pigments travel rapidly into the lymphatic system, where they can linger for months, kill immune cells and alter the way the body responds to vaccines.

In experiments using a mouse model, researchers at Universit della Svizzera italiana in Bellinzona found tattoo pigments in nearby lymph nodes within minutes of tattooing. The particles continued to accumulate for two months, triggering chronic inflammation and immune-cell death during that period.

The study, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that tattooing acts as more than a cosmetic procedure it introduces biologically active particles that the immune system aggressively tries to clear.

Tattooing changed how vaccines worked in mice

The immune response was altered in meaningful ways. When the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was administered in tattooed skin, the resulting antibody response was weaker than in non-tattooed skin.

By contrast, an inactivated flu vaccine produced a stronger immune response when injected into tattooed tissue, likely because the local inflammation amplified its effect.

The researchers say the findings underscore the need for closer scrutiny of tattoo inks, which contain diverse pigments including carbon black, azo dyes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that enter the body but face far lighter regulation than medical products.

Tattooing is widespread, raising public-health stakes

As tattooing has gone mainstream, the potential health implications have grown. A 2023 Pew Research survey found that 32% of U.S. adults have at least one tattoo and 22% have multiple.

Scientists caution that the new mouse research does not prove the same immune changes occur in humans. But pigments have long been documented in human lymph nodes, and the mouse findings mirror patterns observed in both people and primates.

Growing evidence links tattoos with higher cancer risks

Two large European studies published this year have raised additional concerns.

A Swedish study of nearly 12,000 adults reported that tattooed individuals had a 21% higher risk of malignant lymphoma, with the strongest associations seen in the first two years after getting a tattoo and again more than a decade later. Elevated risks appeared across major lymphoma types, including aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and slower-growing follicular lymphoma.

A Danish twin study released in January found similar patterns. Tattooed participants had higher risks of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and lymphoma with risks climbing sharply for large tattoos. In one arm of the study, tattoos larger than a palm were linked to a 2.7-fold higher hazard of lymphoma and more than double the risk of skin cancer.

Calls for stronger testing and regulation

With billions spent on tattoos each year, the Swiss research team says their findings highlight a regulatory gap. Tattoo inks are often made with industrial pigments not originally designed for use in human skin, and ingredients vary widely by brand and region.

This work represents the most extensive study to date regarding the effect of tattoo ink on the immune response and raises serious health concerns, the authors wrote. They say more research and stronger oversight is needed to determine how tattoo pigments affect long-term health and to guide safer standards as tattooing remains on the rise.