Amazon partnering with Affirm is one of the latest signals that “buy now, pay later” offerings are here to stay, on the heels of strong performance last year, and also signals that online and brick-and-mortar retailers that don’t have BNPL options should assess what that means for their competitiveness. … READ MORE >
retail
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 >
Retail lessons from the RSM US Middle Market Business Index
While it’s no surprise that middle market retailers were hard hit by fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, proprietary RSM data underscores this vulnerability. One key data point highlighted a potential opportunity for retailers related to business continuity planning, however, as the initial outbreak slows. … READ MORE >
What middle market companies can learn from Nike about managing disruption
Last week, Nike surprised investors in its earnings report when it revealed that sales in China had declined by only 5% for the quarter ending February 28. While China is a key growth market for the apparel and footwear giant, the decrease demonstrated how well Nike had navigated a nationwide … … READ MORE >
Retailers and restaurants should consider the CARES Act
On March 27 the president signed the CARES Act into law, providing $2 trillion in aid for individuals and business throughout the United States. Great uncertainty exists within the middle market as companies scramble to determine what programs are available, whether they are eligible, and how they can take advantage … … READ MORE >
Between a rock and a hard place, retailers ask to stop paying rent to survive
In a move for self-preservation, retailers are demanding that their landlords withhold or slash rent in the coming months as stores have closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. … READ MORE >
How middle market retailers can position themselves to survive coronavirus, and Amazon
Amazon’s suspension of non-essential products through at least April 5 will leave the door open for other retailers that have the flexibility to focus on the categories that shoppers will not be able to find on Amazon. … READ MORE >
Betting that size matters: Macy’s closures on trend in retail
Retail closures are not always related to underperforming stores or the downsizing of operations. In many cases, a retailer closes a location because the real estate no longer suits the intended use of physical space now and in the future. … READ MORE >
In the digital age, knowing the customer becomes all the more important
Knowing the customer has become especially important in the digital age, when a company like Amazon has leveraged its extensive use of customer data to help it become one of the nation’s largest retailers. … READ MORE >