Industry News

Specialty retail and supply chain leaders are being told that Agentic AI adoption is a straightforward cost-saving decision. But the financial case for AI can be harder to establish than the technology itself, especially for independent retailers running lean teams and tight margins.

Americans are expected to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2026, according to a new NRF forecast. But alongside the spending boom, shoppers are looking for ways to make their celebrations feel personal and get more use from what they buy.

As the leaves begin to turn and the end-of-year rush approaches, small business owners across the country are gearing up for their most crucial stretch of the year: the peak holiday shopping season. This article offers some helpful tips to beat shipping and logistical challenges during the season.

Returns are already expensive for retailers, and damaged furniture shipments can add return freight, replacement costs and extra labor to the total. Recyclable edge protection engineered for heavy furniture can help reduce preventable damage before it happens.

According to new research from gStore, retail inventory issues continue to disrupt shopping trips even after last year’s tariff turmoil. The June survey of 1,035 U.S. adults who have visited a fashion, general merchandise or specialty store in the last 90 days reveals just how far consumers will go to avoid unpleasant interactions.

In a new Small Business Now report, Constant Contact discovered that to stay visible while managing the daily hustle of running a business, small businesses are fundamentally rewriting their job descriptions to embrace the role of “creator” — and leaning on AI to get it all done.

A new consumer survey found a variety of key factors that are driving consumer shopping behavior. Ahead of the holiday shopping season, these results are crucial for retailers looking to stand out against the competition.

In early July, Google announced new platform properties for Search Console, allowing anyone to track how their social and video posts on Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube perform on Google Search, Discover and Google News. These new capabilities are now available to everyone globally.

Due to expectations for better business conditions and sales improvements, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.1 points in June to 97.4, nearing its 52-year average of 98.0. The Uncertainty Index fell 2 points from May to 89, remaining well above its historical average of 68.

Retail sales climbed for the ninth month in a row during June as positive factors overcame challenges to the economy, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.