Intuit Inc. has released its annual Intuit QuickBooks Holiday Shopping Report, revealing that U.S. consumer holiday spending is expected to reach $263 billion this year, a 25% increase from 2024. Nearly half of consumers plan to spend more than last year, with 41% of total spending estimated to go toward small businesses. This represents a $109 billion opportunity for small businesses, marking a 44% year-over-year increase. The report highlights the importance for small businesses to leverage digital and AI-powered tools to tailor marketing, optimize inventory, and streamline operations in response to economic pressures such as tariffs and inflation. Additionally, the number of consumers using AI tools for holiday shopping has surged by 70% compared to last year, emphasizing the need for businesses to enhance their presence in AI-driven search results.