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
Oct. ’22 Retail Report: Fall Sales Are Firm, But Supply May Complicate 2023
The Big Picture Overall retail spending stalled last month as consumer prices continued to rise, clocking in 8.2% higher than a year ago. While sporting goods and home furnishings saw
April ’22 Retail Report: Despite Brisk Sales, Inventory Starts to Climb
The Big Picture Total retail sales grew 8.4% in March over last year, and 18% compared to pre-pandemic 2019, with travel and services making the biggest comebacks, according to Mastercard
March ’22 Retail Report: War, Inflation Still Haven’t Shaken Demand
The Big Picture Just as we were reaching greater stability amid the pandemic, the escalating war in Ukraine has reintroduced uncertainty into the market. The stock market has dipped as
Feb. ’22 Retail Report: 2022 Sales Off To A Strong Start
The Big Picture Despite climbing inflation and strong spending over the holiday season, consumers continued to shop through the normally slow month of January. Overall retail sales increased by 3.8%
Jan. ’22 Retail Report: Prepping For Another Uncertain Year
The Big Picture Although December’s top line retail sales numbers looked disappointing on the surface — slipping 1.9% compared to last year — overall holiday sales beat records. From the
Dec. ’21 Retail Report: Record Sales Cap a Rocky Year
The Big Picture In the last week of what turned out to be another roller-coaster year, we can help but celebrate the robust holiday season we’ve just had. Overall retail
Nov. ’21 Retail Report: Planning a Soft Landing into Spring
The Big Picture Overall retail sales continue to be brisk, despite rising inflation. U.S. sales increased by 1.7% in October, the biggest gain since March, when stimulus checks boosted many
Oct. ’21 Retail Report: All Signs Point To Profit This Holiday Season
The Big Picture Although the near-term outlook remains positive, the U.S. Federal Reserve says that economic growth has slowed recently, due to higher prices, supply chain issues, and a worker
Why Working with a Blacks’ Analyst is Different
More than just a merchandising plan … Strategy – Your Blacks’ analyst prepares you to go to market by analyzing your classifications and developing seasonal and monthly budgets for delivering