Holiday season stories

Holiday refunds jumped 18.1% in 2025, with each USD $1 million in refunds costing retailers about USD $1.3 million once overheads are included.

DigiCert warns Q4 internet traffic stayed high as DDoS and app-layer attacks grew longer and more intense, eroding traditional peak seasons.

Ransomware gangs shrank in number but hit more victims in late 2025, with leak-site postings soaring despite fewer active groups.

Kaleidoscope.com urges UK firms to treat mid-January as the real start of Q1 planning, warning December forecasts are built on distorted data.

Adobe says generative AI referrals to retailers jumped nearly 700% over the 2025 holidays, driving longer visits and stronger conversions.

Retailers urged to brace for early-year spike in chargebacks as mobile shopping and buy now, pay later fuel record US holiday spend.

Black Friday still delivered the peak online surge, but AI-driven search stretched shopping demand across a longer November window.

AI notebook prices across Europe have slumped by a third, pushing the tech into the mainstream as retailers juggle volume against margins.

US holiday shoppers to rein in festive spending as 60% say financial strain will curb gift budgets, new national survey data shows.

AI agents, circular retail and tighter rules will upend shopping by 2026, Akeneo warns, as poor product data threatens brand visibility.

Tesco tops the UK's Christmas social media league, outpacing rivals on engagement and EMV with a wide-reaching creator-led strategy.

Ransomware attacks dipped in November, but ClickFix techniques and alliances between groups like Qilin and CL0P drove fresh risks.

UK retailers brace for a GBP £1.05bn blow from 52 million post-Christmas gift returns, as hybrid shopping and fashion fit issues drive costs.

SMBs battling holiday shipping chaos can turn freight into a strategic edge with smarter tech, clearer pricing and centralised partners.

Retailers brace for a “Christmas Returns Hangover” as eDesk reports a 45% spike in return requests from 26 December, denting profits.

AI is transforming Christmas CX from chaotic surge to controlled service, helping teams stay resilient, protect wellbeing and meet soaring demand.

Two thirds of UK parents back government plans to cap children's social media at two hours a day, new Uswitch research suggests.

Softonic issues festive-season guide warning of rising scams in fake shops, apps and delivery messages as online bargain hunting surges.

US retailers face rising friendly fraud during Cyber Week as 77% of shoppers dispute charges via banks, threatening profits amid USD $43.7bn online spend.

eCommerce platforms face rising AI-driven cyber threats ahead of 2025 holidays as attackers exploit vulnerabilities and stolen credentials for fraud.