Consumer Spending Slows in September
The NRF Retail Monitor found that consumer spending slowed on a monthly basis in September after a busy summer but year-over-year increases remain strong as retailers prepare for the holiday season.
The Evolution of Search: What It Means for Retailers in 2025
The way consumers find and research products online is fundamentally changing, evolving into a complex, multi-platform process influenced by social media, artificial intelligence (AI) and new search technologies. This shift is reshaping consumer behavior and forcing brands to re-evaluate their digital strategies.
Small Business Optimism on the Rise
The National Federation of Independent Business published its July report, which found that small businesses are experiencing better business conditions, leading to a rise in overall optimism.
Small Business Optimism Increases in May
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index found that small business optimism increased in May. However, uncertainty is still high among small business owners.
House Ways and Means Committee Advances 199A Tax Reform
The House Ways and Means Committee has introduced a legislative framework that would make the 199A tax deduction permanent, increasing the deduction from 20% to 22%, and making an enhanced estate tax exemption permanent — providing much-needed certainty and stability to America’s family-owned businesses.
Research Shows Consumers Prefer to Buy Alcohol Online
A recent survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers, commissioned by DRINKS and conducted by Dynata, found that 49% of 21-34-year-olds would be likely to purchase alcohol from their favorite online retailers if they started offering e-commerce versus their traditional alcohol retailer.
FedEx to Launch Easy Returns at 3,000 Locations Across the US
FedEx Corporation is launching a new service called FedEx Easy Returns, supported by Blue Yonder. This offering will allow FedEx customers to access a low-cost, box- and label-free returns solution launching with approximately 3,000 drop-off locations in the network of FedEx Office and Kohl’s stores in the summer, with additional expansion plans across the U.S. later.
Specialty Retail’s Secret Weapon? A Crypto Checkout Option
Accepting crypto can help merchants set themselves apart from the pack. What’s more, they can even attract a new breed of eager customers by offering greater purchasing flexibility.
December Sales Show Strong Growth
Retail sales jumped strongly in December, boosted in part by two busy holiday shopping days during Thanksgiving weekend falling in the final month of the year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.
November Experienced Sales Growth
Moderate retail sales growth continued in November even as two of the holiday season’s busiest shopping days bumped over into December and weren’t included in the month’s totals.
