S2E08: Holiday Season 2025 - AI Meets the Value-Seeking Consumer | Feat. Brian McCarthy

Holiday 2025 is here — and consumers are rewriting the rules. In this episode of The Retail Tales, our host Saurabh Vijayvergia is joined by Brian McCarthy, Partner at Deloitte Consulting and co-author of Deloitte’s 2025 Holiday Retail Survey, to unpack the data behind this season’s trends.

They explore how AI and value-seeking consumers are reshaping holiday shopping — from cautious optimism and redefined “value” to Gen Z’s digital-first mindset and the emotional power of omnichannel experiences. Brian also shares his perspective on customer empathy, simplification, and what retail leaders should prioritize as they prepare for 2026.

Whether you’re a retail executive, technologist, or strategist, this conversation offers data-driven insights on how to blend AI, empathy, and execution for an evolving shopper landscape.

Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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