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Census data for October shows ‘healthy’ retail sales and ‘early step forward’ into the holiday season Market research News 

Census data for October shows ‘healthy’ retail sales and ‘early step forward’ into the holiday season

Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that retail sales grew solidly over the past two months, demonstrating households’ capacity to spend and the strength of the economy, National Retail Federation (NRF) Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “October’s pickup in retail sales shows a healthy pace of spending as many consumers got an early start on holiday shopping,”... Read More
NRF: Record number of shoppers expected over Thanksgiving holiday weekend  Market research News 

NRF: Record number of shoppers expected over Thanksgiving holiday weekend 

A record 183.4 million people are planning to shop in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from the previous record of 182 million in 2023 and 18.1 million people more than five years ago in... Read More
NRF: Holiday spending still on track for steady growth amid ‘mixed signals’ in recent jobs and GDP Data Market research News 

NRF: Holiday spending still on track for steady growth amid ‘mixed signals’ in recent jobs and GDP Data

The National Retail Federation still expects steady sales growth for the winter holiday season despite contradictions in the latest economic indicators, said Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist, NRF. “The economic data calendar was quite busy at the end October but while there were contradictions and mixed signals, we continue to believe the U.S. economy remains in a good place,” Kleinhenz said... Read More
NRF: 2024 holiday spending expected to reach new record Market research 

NRF: 2024 holiday spending expected to reach new record

Consumer spending on the winter holidays is expected to reach a record $902 per person on average across gifts, food, decorations and other seasonal items, according to the National Retail Federation’s latest consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The amount is about $25 per person more than last year’s figure and $16 higher than the previous record set... Read More
NRF: Census retail sales data shows retail sales grew in September   Market research 

NRF: Census retail sales data shows retail sales grew in September  

Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau shows retail sales increased again in September as employment grew and inflation and interest rates fell, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “While there have been some signs of tightening in consumer spending, September’s numbers show consumers are willing to spend where they see value,” Kleinhenz said. “September sales come... Read More
NRF expects steady sales growth for 2024 holiday season News 

NRF expects steady sales growth for 2024 holiday season

The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecast winter holiday spending is expected to grow between 2.5% and 3.5% over 2023. That equates to between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in total holiday spending in November and December, compared with $955.6 billion during the same timeframe last year.  “The economy remains fundamentally healthy and continues to maintain its momentum heading into the... Read More
NRF: Nearly half of Halloween shoppers to start purchasing items before October  Market research 

NRF: Nearly half of Halloween shoppers to start purchasing items before October 

Early Halloween shopping is on the rise, with 47% of survey participants beginning their shopping before October, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from 37% five years ago and compares with just 32% in 2014. Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $11.6 billion after last year’s record-setting... Read More
NRF: Census retail sales data shows households ‘have the underpinnings to spend’ Market research News 

NRF: Census retail sales data shows households ‘have the underpinnings to spend’

Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau shows retail sales continued to grow in August, fueled by rising wages amid falling inflation, said Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist, National Retail Federation (NRF). “These numbers show the continued resiliency of the American consumer,” Kleinhenz said. “While sales growth decelerated from last month’s pace, there is little hint of consumer spending unraveling.... Read More
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor: Retail sales grew again in August as inflation eased Market research News 

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor: Retail sales grew again in August as inflation eased

Retail sales increased again in August as consumer demand and easing inflation overcame slower job growth, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions. “Retail sales data shows that consumers continued to spend on household priorities in August,” said Matthew Shay, President and CEO. “This is despite a slowing labor market that is expected to prompt the Fed... Read More
NRF: Economy ‘on the cusp’ of a soft landing with recession unlikely   Market research 

NRF: Economy ‘on the cusp’ of a soft landing with recession unlikely  

With the economy slowing but still growing and inflation down as the Federal Reserve prepares to lower interest rates, the United States appears to have dodged a recession, said Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist, National Retail Federation (NRF). “The U.S. economy is clearly not in a recession nor is it likely to head into a recession in the home stretch of... Read More
NRF: Economy still growing, but could be slowing enough for Fed to lower interest rates Market research 

NRF: Economy still growing, but could be slowing enough for Fed to lower interest rates

Key elements of the economy are still growing but appear to have slowed enough to be on track for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates later this year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today. “The consumer environment has kept the expansion on a positive path toward a ‘soft landing’ despite high interest rates,” Kleinhenz said. “Meanwhile,... Read More
NRF: Census retail sales data for May shows a ‘Reasonably Healthy Consumer’   Market research 

NRF: Census retail sales data for May shows a ‘Reasonably Healthy Consumer’  

Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows retail sales grew again in May and helped drive a still-expanding economy. “May’s retail sales give us a snapshot of a reasonably healthy consumer even though spending growth is fluctuating somewhat,” said Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist, NRF. “These numbers indicate that the economy continues to expand at a solid pace. Job gains... Read More
NRF: Census data shows retail sales moderated in April News 

NRF: Census data shows retail sales moderated in April

Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau today shows retail sales moderated in April, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “Even though household income and job growth are compressing, the consumer spending picture remains positive,” Kleinhenz said. “The softer pace of spending is due in part to consumers being selective and prioritizing retail purchases. Yet, consumers remain willing... Read More
NRF: First quarter results show economy is slowing but ‘remains resilient’   Market research 

NRF: First quarter results show economy is slowing but ‘remains resilient’  

Economic growth slowed during the first three months of the year, but consumers are still spending more than last year, said National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. “The U.S. economy lost some spring in its step during the first quarter as the pace of growth declined, and the downshift came with an unexpected bout of inflation,” Kleinhenz said, noting... Read More
NRF: Consumers expected to spend near-record $33.5 billion on Mother’s Day Market research 

NRF: Consumers expected to spend near-record $33.5 billion on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year, according to the annual consumer survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is the second highest in the history of the survey, following last year’s record $35.7 billion. “Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who play a meaningful role in... Read More