Wendy future of retail top

Matthew Shay

Consumers to spend $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day

Consumers to spend $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day

WASHINGTON  – Valentine’s Day spending is expected to reach $23.9 billion this year, up from $21.8 billion in 2021 and the second-highest year on record, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. “Following the historic level of consumer spending over the winter holidays, it appears

Back to school shopping to hit record levels

Back to school shopping to hit record levels

WASHINGTON – Consumers plan to spend record amounts for both school and college supplies as families and students plan to return to in-person classrooms this fall, according to the annual survey released Monday by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. “The pandemic forced parents and their school-aged children to quickly adapt to

May retail sales down from April but up over last year

May retail sales down from April but up over last year

WASHINGTON – Retail sales in May were down compared to April but up strongly year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said Tuesday. “While May retail sales were down slightly, largely due to supply chain constraints, the more accurate indicator remains in the year-over-year data which, as the NRF calculates, showed growth of over 17%,” NRF president

NRF expects record high spending for Father’s Day

NRF expects record high spending for Father’s Day

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation on Tuesday projected that U.S. consumers will spend more than $20.1 billion — a record high — on gifts and other items for Father’s Day this year. The projection is based on NRF’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insight & Analytics. Total spending for the holiday will surpass last

NRF issues statement on Senate passage of COVID-19 relief bill

NRF issues statement on Senate passage of COVID-19 relief bill

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from president and CEO Matthew Shay in response to the Senate passage of President Biden’s $1.9T coronavirus aid package. “Ensuring that the American people are given the opportunity to quickly and safely get vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most critical component of the legislation passed

NRF says holiday sales to grow 3.6% to 5.2%

NRF says holiday sales to grow 3.6% to 5.2%

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation forecast Monday that holiday sales during November and December will increase between 3.6% and 5.2% compared to 2019, totaling between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. The numbers, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, compare with a 4%t increase to $729.1 billion last year and an average holiday

NRF postpones ‘Big Show’ until June 2021

NRF postpones ‘Big Show’ until June 2021

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is postponing its Big Show annual convention and expo, normally held in January, until June 2021. But NRF said Thursday that it also plans to hold a virtual event in January. Both events will feature the theme “Forward Together.” “The health and safety of our team, industry partners and

May retail sales improve dramatically over April but way down from last year

May retail sales improve dramatically over April but way down from last year

WASHINGTON — The reopening of stores shuttered by the COVID-19 outbreak boosted retail sales in May, which were up dramatically compared to April, the National Retail Federation reported Tuesday. But sales were still way down from the same period last year. “Today’s sales report is very encouraging news at a time when we need to

NRF issues statement on incidents at retail stores following death of George Floyd

NRF issues statement on incidents at retail stores following death of George Floyd

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation issued on Monday  the following statement from president and CEO Matthew Shay regarding incidents involving retail stores across the country following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis: “It is with deep dismay and shared outrage that our communities express their anger and frustration through peaceful protests over the

Retailers urge state and local leaders to coordinate COVID-19 response

Retailers urge state and local leaders to coordinate COVID-19 response

WASHINGTON — Retailers are asking state governors and mayors to reach out to retail leaders before issuing decisions to close or curtail retail business operations as they work to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In a letter sent to Governor Larry Hogan, chairman of the National Governors Association and Mayor Bryan Barnett, president of

Thanksgiving weekend spending up 16%

Thanksgiving weekend spending up 16%

WASHINGTON — Americans shopped in record numbers over this year’s Thankgiving holiday weekend, the National Retail Federation reported on Tuesday. A survey conducted for the NRF by Prosper Insights & Analytics found that a record 189.6 million U.S. consumers shopped in stores and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year. That’s up 14%

NRF calls latest tariffs a big gamble

NRF calls latest tariffs a big gamble

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation has warned that the Trump administration’s imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods puts the U.S. economy and American jobs at risk. “We support the administration’s efforts to deliver a meaningful trade agreement that levels the playing field for American businesses and workers,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay.

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