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

Holiday spending rose 3.8% from a year ago, topping last year’s growth, as consumers were “willing and able” to spend, if there was a good deal, Mastercard SpendingPulse said.

Retail sales over the holiday season increased 3.8% over last year as people visited restaurants and purchased clothes and jewelry, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks payments.

Excluding car sales, consumer holiday spending rose 3.8% year over year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, higher than its estimate for a 3.2% rise.