In our four-part blog series, RSM’s senior industry analysts explore back-to-school shopping trends and the impact on consumer businesses. In our final post, we provide a look back at spending habits and what’s to come for the holidays. As we enter the second half of September and with students back in ... READ MORE >
consumer goods
Consumer products M&A posts second straight quarterly slowdown
Deal activity in the consumer products sector contracted for the second consecutive quarter to the lowest level since third quarter of 2020, based on information available through July 22. The slowdown comes as market uncertainty curtailed deal urgency and valuations, and as participants continued to ... READ MORE >
Have we entered a “goods-cession” or goods fatigue?
In the June 2022 real consumer spending data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Friday, on a three-month annualized basis, spending on both durable and non-durable goods declined for the second consecutive month, furthering the evidence we are in the midst of a “goods-cession.” After a ... READ MORE >
A new ban on some Chinese goods may prompt further consumer goods supply chain disruptions
On June 21, the United States government implemented laws under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act that have a significant impact on consumer goods companies’ supply chains. This stems from the U.S. condemning forced labor and repression of minority groups in the Xinjiang region in China, including ... READ MORE >
Are inventory levels too high?
In March, overall consumer spending continued at a robust pace, with the three-month annualized real consumer spending increasing 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. But even with healthy consumer demand, companies are beginning to rethink current inventory positions as they plan for back-to-school and winter ... READ MORE >
Consumer products M&A insights from the first quarter
After a strong 2021, consumer products deal activity contracted in the first quarter as market uncertainty affected deal urgency. As we enter the second quarter, more recent activity points to a rebound in consumer products closed transactions. Consumer products companies continue to benefit from ... READ MORE >
Consumer goods spending continues hot trend
Consumer goods spending rebounded on a month-over-month basis in January, increasing 7.6% compared with a 6.8% decline in December 2021 when consumer spending was impacted from concerns of the omicron variant and elevated holiday sales in October and November 2021. This 7.6% increase exceeded the 2.1% ... READ MORE >
Consumer products industry outlook: Spring 2022
From managing channel opportunities and supply chain challenges to addressing the tight labor market, consumer products businesses face a variety of issues this year. Retailers, restaurants, apparel companies, and food and beverage businesses continue to navigate a volatile economic environment. Key ... READ MORE >
Can apparel sales growth continue? – Spring 2022 outlook
Apparel companies, especially those in the middle market, will need to pay close attention to inventory levels to ensure balance sheets are not burdened with excess product. Beauty and personal care brands should experience strong performance as customer mobility increases and COVID-19 cases ... READ MORE >
Consumer products M&A insights from the fourth quarter
Each quarter RSM’s senior industry analysts and mergers and acquisitions professionals provide a glimpse into the middle market consumer products deal environment. Here's the latest for the fourth quarter. While closed consumer products mergers and acquisitions transactions declined each quarter last ... READ MORE >