Consumer behavior has never been more diverse this holiday season, but some trends have begun to emerge. … READ MORE >
Consumer products holiday season countdown: Shopping has already started
What’s in store for retailers and other consumer products companies this holiday shopping season? We explore in our holiday season countdown series. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Strong back-to-school retail sales may signal positive holiday season
In what retailers hope is a preview of the holiday shopping season, retail sales from the critical back-to-school month of August increased by 0.7% on the month. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Retail sales dip reflects shift in spending habits
A decline in retail spending in July may signal a shift in spending habits as consumers straddle a strengthening economy and virus-related concerns. … READ MORE >
Four ways retailers and restaurants can manage current inflation and labor pressures
Consumer demand is high and the opportunity exists for a strong holiday retail and restaurant season. However, these sectors are facing two significant headwinds: inflation and challenges finding qualified labor. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Retail sales cool as stimulus boost wears off
After two months of growth in retail sales fueled in part by stimulus payments, retail sales cooled off in May, falling 1.3% and missing analyst estimates of a 0.8% gain. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: ISM index reaches recent high, boosted by service sector gains
The ISM non-manufacturing index climbed to 63.7% in March, firmly beating analysts’ expectations and reaching its highest reading in recent history. … READ MORE >
Retail sales declined 3% in February, but brighter days are ahead
At first glance, the 3% monthly decline in retail sales for February would seem to be a cause for concern. But a look beyond the top-line number reported by the Commerce Department on Tuesday paints a more nuanced picture that suggests pent-up consumer demand and the prospect of stronger sales in the future. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Retail sales surge 5.3% as consumers spend stimulus checks
Driven by the latest round of stimulus checks approved in late December, retail sales surged 5.3% in January from a monthly decline of 0.7% in December, the Commerce Department reported on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Service sector survey shows strength in January
The Institute for Supply Management said on Wednesday that its nonmanufacturing purchasing managers’ index came in at 58.7 for the month, up from December’s revised figure of 57.7. A reading above 50 suggests expansion. … READ MORE >