U.S. retailers posted the smallest increase in sales in September in four months, delayed government data showed, as consumers took a break between back-to-school purchases and the holiday shopping season. Retail sales rose a modest 0.3% in September, the government said Tuesday in a report that was delayed by a month and a half.

Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. QVC, Solo Stove, and Oneskin are paid inclusions. If it feels like Black Friday comes earlier and earlier each year,

Amazon would never pass up an opportunity to dish out deals to consumers. This year, Amazon's Cyber Monday sale will officially kick off on Nov. 29 —two days early — and run through Dec. 1. It will essentially pick up right where Black Friday leaves off.

From Wit’s End to Pearl Grant Richmans, here’s how shop owners and customers are feeling ahead of the holidays.

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A bestseller and NBC Select favorite, the Shark Navigator is one of the best upright vacuums on the market. It has a HEPA filter for capturing dust and allergens, and detaches to convert into a portable vacuum. It comes with crevice and upholstery attachments for cleaning pet hair, dust and more.

Taken together, the new and older data suggest the U.S. economy is heading into the all-important holiday season buffeted by a cooling labor market, continued inflationary pressures and signs consumers were easing their pace of spending and searching for bargains.

While Black Friday is the official kick-off to holiday shopping, some people decided to skip the apple pie and begin shopping on Thanksgiving.