This holiday season, retailers face a unique set of challenges that will test their adaptability, resilience and innovation to the fullest. With consumer behaviors likely to remain uncertain and volatile, retailers are having to display ever greater levels of agility and responsiveness to keep pace. For many people, times are tough right now. Consumers are
PURCHASE, N.Y. — U.S. retail sales (excluding automotive) increased 7.6% year over year this holiday season, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which defines the season as the period running from November 1 through December 24. Mastercard SpendingPulse measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment and is not adjusted for inflation. “This holiday
PURCHASE, N.Y. — Consumers are shopping with intention this holiday season and prioritizing small and local businesses, according to a new Mastercard survey. In response to this growing desire to support Main Street and shop with meaning, Mastercard is rewarding cardholders when shopping local through a series of holiday campaigns in select cities nationwide. According
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is taking action to ensure that global supply chain disruptions don’t keep its customers from finding and buying what they want from the retailer this holiday season. “We’ve always been committed to delivering everything customers need for a great holiday, and I’m proud of the hard work our associates are doing
NEW YORK — Retailers can anticipate a merry holiday season, with seasonal sales on the rise at least 5% from last year, according to a recent report from accounting firm Deloitte. Deloitte’s retail and distribution practice predicted sales from November through January (seasonally adjusted and excluding motor vehicles and gasoline) topping $1.1 trillion. Comparable retail
WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation (NRF) said it expects retail sales, excluding automobiles, gasoline and restaurant meals, to increase 3.6% to $655.8 billion in November and December. That would mark an acceleration over the 3% growth in the final two months of 2015 and represent a significant increase from the 10-year average of 2.5%