Research Shows Why Clothing Take-Back Programs Fail
A new peer-reviewed study, titled "The Role of Information, Rewards, and Convenience in Take-Back Programs for Clothing," found that simply telling consumers their returned items will be “kept out of landfills” significantly increases participation in take-back programs. But when retailers disclose that they may resell those items for profit, participation plummets.
Retail Industry Grapples with Rising Levels of Theft and Violence
The retail industry continues to grapple with increasing levels of theft and violence, according to a new study released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions.
How Mobile POS Is Reshaping the Retail Checkout Experience
Mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) technology is turning a long-standing pain point into a competitive advantage. By putting the entire POS system onto a mobile device, retailers can meet customers where they are and complete transactions anywhere on the sales floor.
End of ‘de minimus’ Exemption Disrupting Small Businesses
The "de minimis" U.S. tariff exemption for package shipments under $800 just ended on August 29th, 2025. This rule aimed to avoid the administrative cost of collecting small amounts of tax and facilitated global e-commerce by enabling companies like Shein and Temu to ship directly to consumers.
Strong Spending in July as Consumers Responded to Sales
Retail spending bounced back in July as consumers sought out summer sales promotions to buy goods before more tariffs take effect.
Small Business Optimism Remains Steady in June
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index found that small business optimism remained steady in June, while uncertainty fell. Taxes remain the top issue on Main Street, but many others are still concerned about labor quality and high labor costs.
Small Business Sales Grow Slightly in May
Fiserv's Small Business Index for May 2025 found that despite shifting spending patterns as consumers navigate near-term economic uncertainty, small businesses maintained solid year-over-year sales growth of (+3.3%) and total transactions rose (+3.8%).
Creative Ways Beverage Companies are Reducing Their Carbon Footprint
Beverage alcohol has a sizable carbon footprint. The global alcoholic beverage industry produces about 1.5 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Beverage Wholesaler spoke with a variety of different beverage companies to see what they are doing to reduce their carbon footprint.
Consumers to Spend $23.6 Billion on Easter
Consumers plan to spend a total of $23.6 billion on Easter this year, according to an NRF survey. The amount is above last year’s $22.4 billion, and approaching the record $24 billion spent in 2023.
Consumers Still Apprehensive Despite Healthy Economy
Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau showed modest month-over-month retail sales growth in February amid consumer worries over inflation and Washington policy decisions.
