Holiday Retail Shopping up 3.9% and other Digital Transactions News briefs from 12/23/25

In-store and online retail sales in the U.S. market grew 3.9% from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21 compared to last year, according to Mastercard Inc.’s SpendingPulse report, which excludes automotive sales. The result, which is not adjusted for inflation, represents all payment types…
…while preliminary data in a separate report from Visa Inc. indicate total U.S. holiday retail spending grew 4.2% year-over-year, taking into account all payment types, including cash and checks, over a seven-week period starting Nov. 1. Visa’s annual Retail Spend Monitor is based on Visa network data compiled by Visa Consulting & Analytics. The report excludes automotive, gasoline, restaurant, and other spending.
Fourteen state attorneys general have united to launch a public service announcement warning consumers about gift card fraud, according to the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance. The Retail Industry Leaders Association formed the alliance last year.
Olo Inc., a provider of payments technology for restaurants, announced it has closed on its acquisition of Spendgo Inc., a loyalty platform. Terms were not disclosed.
London-based-payments-software developer Finastra Ltd. has opened two new international offices, one in Atlanta and the other in Kerala, India.

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