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 >
retail
Back-to-school consumer business outlook: Return of the discount
In our four-part blog series, RSM’s senior industry analysts explore back-to-school shopping trends and the impact on consumer businesses. This week we focus on how retailers are leveraging discount strategies. During the COVID-19 pandemic retailers and wholesalers faced supply chain disruptions and ... READ MORE >
Back-to-school consumer business outlook: How will no enhanced child tax credit affect shopping?
As consumers enter the peak back-to-school shopping season (July through September), retailers and other consumer businesses are beginning to make room for backpacks, clothing, school supplies and other back-to-school needs. This season will certainly be different from last year, as consumers are in a ... 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 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 >
Retailers capitalize on opportunities while restaurants look for consistency: Spring 2022 outlook
Even with the increases in digital and e-commerce, many retailers will leverage physical stores as a sales channel as well. A tightened labor market is constraining the restaurant industry’s ability to provide the exceptional experiences customers expect. Read about other sectors Coming off a ... 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 >
Consumer products holiday season countdown: Lessons to learn as retailers look to 2022
Successful execution on an omnichannel strategy is no longer enough for middle market retailers. Yes, it’s important to meet and sell to clients where they are whether it’s in a store or online, but it’s also essential for retailers that these channel efforts be profitable, especially amid this year’s ... READ MORE >
Consumers signal strong start to holiday spending; how will it end?
The increase in October retail sales at 1.7% month over month beat estimates of 1.4%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For further perspective and to reduce the noise and focus on holiday season sales, we saw a 12.9% increase year over year for retail sales, excluding food services, gas, building ... READ MORE >
Consumer products holiday season countdown: Help wanted
All industries are grappling with labor shortages and the retail sector is no different. Most retailers have already started ramping up for the holiday shopping season as consumers begin their holiday spending earlier and earlier each year. For instance, at the end of September, according to Bloomberg, ... READ MORE >