WASHINGTON — A major economic setback seems unlikely despite the “tricky job” the Federal Reserve faces in getting inflation under control, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said Wednesday. “With changes underway that focus on taming inflation without splintering the economy, the nation’s economic system is in the process of being rebalanced in ways
WASHINGTON – The omicron variant, inflation and bad weather in much of the country were not enough to stop consumers from shopping in January, the National Retail Federation reported on Wednesday. Retail sales posted strong gains in January despite those and other challenges. “January’s numbers show that 2022 is starting very strong for consumers and
WASHINGTON – Retail sales for the 2021 holiday season totaled $886.7 billion, up 14.1% over 2020 and easily beating the National Retail Federation’s forecast, the retail trade group said on Friday. That number, which includes $218.9 billion in online and other non-store sales (up 11.3%) but excludes sales at automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants,
WASHINGTON – This year’s holiday spending has the potential to shatter previous records, the National Retail Federation said Wednesday, forecasting that holiday sales during November and December will grow between 8.5% and 10.5% over 2020 to total between $843.4 billion and $859 billion. The numbers (which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants) suggest that
WASHINGTON – Retail sales in May were down compared to April but up strongly year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said Tuesday. “While May retail sales were down slightly, largely due to supply chain constraints, the more accurate indicator remains in the year-over-year data which, as the NRF calculates, showed growth of over 17%,” NRF president
WASHINGTON – Retail sales grew sharply in January as government stimulus checks provided a boost and momentum from 2020’s record holiday season carried over into the new year, the National Retail Federation said Wednesday. “January’s retail sales numbers reflect a very strong start for consumers and retailers as we look ahead to a critical year
WASHINGTON – The stimulus legislation signed into law just after Christmas will help support the nation’s ongoing recovery from the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said on Monday. “As we closed out 2020, it was an end to a whirlwind year whose challenging economic environment will almost
WASHINGTON – Retail sales slipped in November compared to the month before, as the surging pandemic suppressed store traffic. But sales were still up compared to last November, and the National Retail Federation still expects a happy holiday season for retailers. “Consumers held back on spending in November as virus rates spiked, states imposed retail restrictions and
WASHINGTON – Retail sales continue to bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Retail Federation said Friday. Sales in July grew more slowly than in June, but the trend continued to be positive. “Retail sales for July were another positive step in the right direction as our economy continues to slowly
WASHINGTON — The reopening of stores shuttered by the COVID-19 outbreak boosted retail sales in May, which were up dramatically compared to April, the National Retail Federation reported Tuesday. But sales were still way down from the same period last year. “Today’s sales report is very encouraging news at a time when we need to
WASHINGTON — Retail sales should grow by 3.5% to 4.1% this year, according to a forecast released Wednesday by the National Retail Federation. The trade group is predicting that sales in 2020 will top $3.9 trillion, despite uncertainty from the lingering trade war, the coronavirus outbreak and the presidential election. “The nation’s record-long economic expansion
WASHINGTON –Retail sales growth was modest in November, but the National Retail Federation still expects a strong holiday season for retailers. Retail sales in November increased 0.1% seasonally adjusted over October and were up 2.1% unadjusted year-over-year, according to the NRF, which noted that the numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. “November showed