Mastercard said consumers were "value-minded" and shopped at both brick-and-mortar stores and online platforms in search of attractive deals.

Shoppers snapped up sweaters, smartwatches and skin-care sets as they chased discounts to drive a stronger-than-expected holiday season for retail, according to Mastercard.

Holiday season retail sales rose 3.8% this year over last, Mastercard says, as more people dined out and bought clothes and jewelry. Why it matters: The report suggests a resilient consumer, key to the continued health of the U.

Retail sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve rose 3.8 percent, according to new data released Thursday.

Walmart, Target, Amazon.com and other retailers ramped up promotions and value messaging to entice customers during a shorter holiday season.

FOX 13's Evan Axelbank reports on shoppers being more willing to open their wallets this holiday season, as sales for small businesses in Tampa and around the nation were up this year.