The Big Picture As we wrap up the year, the economy continues to improve. The unemployment rate fell in November, and the stock market recently reached new highs on news
Planning for Success in 2024
While 2023 saw a slowdown from the post pandemic sales boom, business was still pretty decent. We are returning to a normalized sales cycle — finally — and the economy
Nov. 23 Retail Report: Holiday Sales Ramp Up After Pause
The Big Picture Overall retail sales fell for the first time in seven months in October, as consumers took a pause before their holiday shopping began at full steam. Sales
2023 Apparel Category Winners (and Losers)
To the surprise of many, the post-pandemic sales momentum we saw in 2022 continued into this year, bringing higher sales gains than we typically see in the normal retail cycle.
Oct. ’23 Retail Report: Early Deliveries Boost Sales
The Big Picture Despite war abroad and government chaos at home, the U.S. consumer can’t seem to stop spending. Overall retail sales ticked up 0.7% in September, outpacing predictions, and
What’s a Retail Calendar & Why Do We Use It?
Starting your own retail business can come with a steep learning curve, even if you are a great buyer or great seller. One area to focus on from the start
Sept. 2023 Retail Report: High-End Shoppers Continue to Spend
The Big Picture Overall retail sales grew faster than expected in August, up 0.6% compared to a 0.5% increase in July. This was mostly due to high gas prices, according
Holiday Sales Tips for A Normalized Sales Cycle
The holiday season is quickly upon us so it’s a good time to check in with our best practices for end-of-the-year sales in a normalized market. Let’s remember that coming
Aug. ’23 Retail Report: Despite Brisk Sales, Men’s Inventory Piles Up
The Big Picture Even though inflation ticked up slightly last month, recording a 3.2% increase for the 12 months ending in July, retail sales continued to climb. Overall sales were
Is There a Solution To High Credit Card Swipe Fees?
Hefty credit card processing fees are an unfortunate fact of life for most retailers, but that could change if new legislation gets pushed through. In June, a bipartisan group of