The Big Picture
Shoppers kept the momentum going in July. Retail sales rose 0.5%, building on a strong June (revised upward to 0.8%). Travel, summer events, and early tariff-driven buying all fueled the surge.
But there’s a caution flag: overall consumer consumption (goods + services) grew just 0.9% in Q2—its slowest pace since the pandemic. That suggests strength in retail, but softness elsewhere.
July Performance
Our client stores had a banner month, with sales up 11% overall. Early fall deliveries brought excitement—and full-priced buying power. Summer knits were a win across the board.
– Women’s wear: up 14%. Ready-to-wear surged 17%, dresses climbed 11%, and sweaters posted a 10% gain.
– Menswear: up 9% overall. Knits soared 18%, while sportswear rose 10% as customers refreshed casual wardrobes.
Not every category was consistent (dresses in particular were hit-or-miss), but the appetite for “newness” was clear.
Newness vs. Markdowns
The story of the month wasn’t price cuts—it was fresh product. Even with markdown racks full, new deliveries stole the show.
“Tariffs had a silver lining—they demonstrated that early deliveries, even in a markdown month, drive excitement,” says Blacks Senior Analyst Matt Pruitt. “This could mean an extra month of full-price selling.”
Blacks’ Bottom Line
As fall approaches, events will be the spark. How are you planning to reconnect with your best customers and make the most of the season?
