You’ve probably read about the Great Wealth Transfer, but what will it mean for fashion and our stores? The $84 trillion that is predicted to change hands over the next
Aug. ’24 Retail Report: Inflation is Down. Are Prices Next?

The Big Picture After a lull in June, sales made a comeback last month, notching up 1% overall and beating analysts’ expectations. Consumer spending also increased in July as inflation
Outdoor Gear, Activewear and the Turn Dilemma

Sales of activewear and outdoor apparel and accessories have slowed in recent years. Let’s look at what is affecting growth in these categories, and how they compare to other faster
July ’24 Retail Report: Consumers Keep the Economy Buzzing

The Big Picture The U.S. economy picked up in the second quarter, growing by 2.8%, after a 1.4% increase in the first quarter. Meanwhile, inflation is cooling, and unemployment is
Adding New Product Classes? Here’s Where To Start.

Providing new styles and products is part and parcel of being a merchant, but which factors should you take into consideration when it comes to adding new classes or categories
June ’24 Retail Report: Sales Momentum Stalls Amid Severe Weather

The Big Picture Although U.S. economic growth for the first quarter was revised downward, from 1.6% to 1.3%, recent jobs numbers indicate that the economy is still running at a
The Risks of “Data Dropping” in Retail

While successful retailers often scrutinize their sales reports to improve their performance, some only look at the top-line numbers, which can lead to missed opportunities. “I’ve seen merchants scan the
May ’24 Retail Report: Suit Sales Finally Drop; Women’s Inventory Ticks Up

The Big Picture Some analysts are describing the U.S. economy as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, since the top line numbers don’t exactly convey the underlining strength. For instance, GDP
Store Trends: How to Design a Shopping Showcase

Although overall e-commerce sales continue to grow, when it comes to better and luxury apparel, shoppers still prefer the in-store experience. This is especially true of younger shoppers. In fact,
April Retail Report: Strong Spring Demand & Minimizing Markdowns

The Big Picture Although the U.S.’s overall economic picture looks solid, the 12-month inflation rate ending in March ticked up to 3.5%, which was .03% higher than the previous month.