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 >
Consumer products
CHART OF THE DAY: Rising food costs catch up with grocers
The producer price index for final demand foods increased by 4.4% in February from the year before, outpacing the 3.6% increase in the consumer price index for food at-home purchases. … 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: Apparel companies’ new discipline on pricing
Consumer prices for apparel continued to rise in January, demonstrating that apparel companies are focused on profitability amid a volatile environment for supply and demand. … 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 >
The changing holiday shopping season
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: $900 billion rescue package will aid consumers who need it most
The December decrease in U.S. consumer confidence shows how important fiscal aid for households provided by Congress’s new $2.3 trillion spending bill is to consumers. Our Chart of the Day, from RSM analyst Peter Cadigan, explains why. … READ MORE >
Traditional retail’s loss has been industrial’s gain
The growing reliance on contact-free e-commerce is providing new opportunities and unique challenges to the commercial real estate sector, specifically those focused on retail and industrial space. … 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 >