The U.S. economy exceeded expectations in Q2 2024, with GDP growth reaching 2.8% and retail sales up 2.5% year over year. With inflation cooling and job growth slowing, economists hint at a potential soft landing for the economy. What’s driving this momentum, and what could it mean for the rest of the year? Keep reading to find out. Read More on Resilient U.S. Economy Defies Expectations in Q2 2024
Retail space became the hottest commodity in Q2 2024, with a dramatic 75.4% spike in net absorption fueling intense competition. Leasing times are hitting record lows, and with construction at a standstill, availability is plummeting — giving landlords the advantage. Despite the grim outlook, optimism remains for a stabilization in retail capital markets later this year, which could boost investment. Don’t miss out on what’s shaping up to be a pivotal moment in retail. Read More on Tight Markets, Rising Rents — How Q2 2024 Shaped Retail Real Estate
The 2024 election has people wondering — will it change how we spend our money? Expert opinions differ on how the U.S. presidential election will affect consumer spending, with some predicting a return to normal economic cycles, suggesting that weather, unemployment and interest rates will influence spending more than the election. But, with all the extra election noise, will our favorite stores get lost in the shuffle as the holidays approach? Read More on The 2024 Presidential Election’s Impact on Consumer Spending
Despite post-pandemic hurdles lingering into 2024 — inflation, increased theft, high executive turnover and layoffs — the retail sector is finding resilience through innovative approaches. Whether adopting off-mall concepts or employing technologies like artificial intelligence, social media and shoppable content, retailers can harness the trends and predictions in this roundup to succeed in the year ahead. Read More on From Crisis to Opportunity: Retail’s Post-Pandemic Transformation
Bain & Company’s study suggests luxury retail has become more recession-resilient due to an expanding base of high-income customers, a heightened customer-centric approach and cultivating an appeal to a younger demographic. Despite this, other reports suggest luxury spending could start to decline. Read More on How Luxury Retail Is Becoming More Recession-Resistant
Around the globe, brand values and consumer expectations are driving more environmentally conscious policies and spending aimed at ameliorating the negative environmental impacts of carbon emissions, material waste, energy consumption and limited resources. While sustainability in the retail space began as just a buzzword, the global pandemic underscored the importance of nature for mental and… Read More on Wrap & Send’s 2021 Environmental Impact Savings
Last year’s holiday shopping season experienced better-than-expected retail sales growth — and the early outlook for this year is solid despite major economic uncertainty ahead. From the economy to Prime Day and Thanksgiving, opportunities exist for retailers to take advantage. Read More on Planning for the 2021 Holiday Shopping Season
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly transformed many aspects of our daily lives — including online shopping habits. To help retailers better understand the shift, the RAND Corporation compared patterns from the beginning of the pandemic to last July and August. Read More on On the Road To Recovery, Americans’ Online Shopping Habits Continue To Shift Read More on On the Road To Recovery, Americans’ Online Shopping Habits Continue To Shift
Photo by Klára Vernarcová on Unsplash Today, consumers increasingly demand so much more than just a quality product. As shoppers increasingly embrace social causes, they’re seeking products and brands that align with their personal values. While it might seem that sustainability is just another trend, in the face of our ever-changing climate, consumer demand… Read More on Sustainability in Luxury Retail: No Longer an Option
ChargeItSpot — a leading provider of cell phone charging stations for major retailers, events, and other indoor public venues — recently announced the results of its “2017 Holiday Shopping Report.” The study asked consumers their holiday shopping habits, if they would be using their mobile devices during their trip, and how they felt about their… Read More on Shoppers Looking for Better In-Store Customer Service During Holiday Shopping