The first quarter of the year is typically the busiest for TV returns, as liberal return policies and easier-to carry-televisions give more consumers incentive to take back their TVs after the Super Bowl, according to liquidation company B-Stock Solutions. Consumers were forecast to spend $1.5 billion on new televisions in advance of the game this year, according to a survey from NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

About 70% of US consumers plan to make charitable contributions in addition to shopping for friends and family this holiday season, according to a survey from NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Retailers are finding new ways to make it easier for shoppers to give, from in-store drives at The Disney Store and Hollister to a giving-focused pop-up from DSW.

Upward of 165 million Americans are expected to shop during the long Thanksgiving weekend, including 114.6 million on Black Friday, states a survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. "The tradition of Thanksgiving weekend holiday shopping has become a five-day event with consumers spending money in stores, supporting local small businesses, and online with their mobile devices and computers," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay says.

About 172 million US consumers plan to celebrate Halloween this year, spending an average of $86.27 per person on candy, costumes, cards and decorations for a total of $8.8 billion, according to a survey from NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics. "Spending hasn't changed much over the past few years, but we are seeing a noticeable increase in consumers whose Halloween purchases are inspired by their friends, neighbors and even celebrities on social media," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.