For many retailers, the recent holiday shopping season was unlike any other as they contended with the disruption of the pandemic and its effect on consumer behavior. The result was a more extended holiday shopping season this year by design. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Holiday sales off to a sluggish start
The holiday shopping season was off to a sluggish start in November as retail sales fell 1.1% compared to October, the Commerce Department reported on Wednesday. It was the biggest drop in seven months and well below analysts’ estimates of a modest gain. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: In the video game industry, it’s the most wonderful time
The arrival of the holiday shopping season has buoyed the hopes of retailers catering to a younger crowd, even as coronavirus cases continue to rise. This is especially the case with video games. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Retail sales surge, but for how long?
Retail sales showed unexpected strength, rising by 1.9% over August for the fifth straight monthly gain, the Commerce Department reported on Friday. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Consumer confidence bounces back
The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 101.8 — a jump from 86.3 in August — and surpassed analysts’ forecasts of a slight increase. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Middle market retailers pay close attention to inflation as pandemic progresses
Many RSM clients have reported that inflation has been, and continues to be top of mind for them. The data supports what we’ve heard. Throughout the pandemic, the cost of food at home has been the mirror image of the Consumer Price index. … READ MORE >
Chart of the Day: Consumer confidence falls to six-year low
The Conference Board’s measure of consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in six years in August, underscoring uncertainty amid high unemployment in a U.S. economy that has faced pandemic-driven stops and starts since mid-March. … READ MORE >
Retail sales rose 7.5% in June as economies reopened
June retail sales were strong for a second straight month, fueled by the reopening of economies across the country and the continuation of pent-up demand from lockdowns earlier in the year. Overall retail sales rose by 7.5% in June, which followed May’s record 18.2% gain. … READ MORE >
May retail sales soar, but will it continue?
Retail sales soared by 17.7% in May, the biggest month-over-month increase on record, the Commerce Department reported on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
CARES Act expands access to loans for small and midsize businesses
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law on Friday provides various options for small and midsize businesses facing liquidity challenges from the COVID-19 crisis. … READ MORE >