The Big Picture
The U.S. economy continues to show signs of strength—March’s jobs report surprised to the upside, with 228,000 new jobs added. That’s a clear signal: despite the headlines, the underlying fundamentals are still solid.
Retail sales also delivered a pleasant surprise, jumping 1.4% in March.
Shoppers were out in force, especially for big-ticket items like cars and auto parts, ahead of looming tariffs.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The shadow of tariffs is weighing heavily on consumer sentiment. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index dropped 50.8 points in April—its second lowest level ever recorded.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to make your store a haven—bright, positive, and welcoming. A great atmosphere won’t fix everything, but it goes a long way in uncertain times.
March Sales Snapshot
Sales across our client stores rose 2% in March. Women’s wear led the charge with a solid 4% boost, while menswear held steady overall.
Menswear:
Clothing remained flat, but Sportswear jumped 7%, driven by renewed demand for sport shirts, jeans, and casual pants. After a few seasons of heavier investment in Clothing, customers are refreshing their casual wardrobes.
Women’s Wear:
As the weather warmed, so did Ready-to-Wear. Spring collections brought an 8% increase, as shoppers embraced fresh seasonal looks.
So far in April, sales have been more of a mixed bag. With economic jitters spreading, we may end the month down as much as 10%. Unlike with hard goods, apparel shoppers aren’t rushing to beat tariff hikes—they’re staying cautious.
Communication Is Everything
If there’s one message to drive home right now, it’s this: stay in close contact with your vendors.
We’re already seeing disruptions—some vendors have paused production in China, especially in mid- to lower-priced lines. That could affect your inventory flow. Be proactive: check in with your partners and consider supplementing from alternative sources where you can.
As always, balance is key. You need enough merchandise to keep customers engaged—but avoid the trap of overbuying. A good rule of thumb: don’t buy more upfront for fall than you did last year.
Blacks’ Bottom Line
Right now, clear communication—with both vendors and customers—is your best tool.
Stay informed. Be flexible. And inside your stores, keep the energy warm and optimistic.
