Retailers saw record profits as billions of dollars were spent this holiday season.

American retail rose 3.4% between November and Christmas Eve compared to last year, according to Mastercard reports. People spent $34.4 billion just on the Saturday before Christmas alone, according to Customer Growth Partners.

"Retails have started offering promotions earlier in the season--some as early as Halloween," says Katherine Cullen, of the National Retail Federation. "Really giving consumers a long runway in order to buy gifts and stock up for everyone."

The most popular items were iRobot's Roomba, Instant Pot Duo and LOL Surprise Dolls.

Companies like Amazon and other retailers set records in revenue. Department stores, however, struggled.

Sales for Sears, Macy's and others saw a 1.8% decline in sales.