NEW YORK — After years of talk about the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to transform retail operations, the tools are beginning to make an impact in brick-and-mortar stores, as well as e-commerce. “Customer-driven commerce: How predictive, personalized digital fulfillment capabilities are transforming consumer experiences,” a session at the National Retail Federation’s Big
WASHINGTON — According to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released this month by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, imports seen during 2020 appear to be headed toward a new record despite the coronavirus pandemic, and remain at high levels as 2021 begins. “Nobody would have thought last spring that 2020 would
WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation was one of more than 180 organizations that called on Tuesday for Congress and president-elect Joe Biden to reform the nation’s immigration system. Among other steps, the groups said participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program should be allowed to remain in the country. “America’s retailers support
WASHINGTON – Retail sales during 2020’s November-December holiday season grew an unexpectedly high 8.3% over the same period in 2019 to $789.4 billion, the National Retail Federation said on Friday. That tops the NRF’s holiday forecast, and came despite a pandemic that disrupted holiday shopping. Online and other non-stores sales increased 23.9% to $209 billion.
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 – Retailers welcomed the passage of a bipartisan economic relief bill by Congress on Monday. “Retailers are encouraged by the passage of this economic relief package that will keep the economy open and moving in the right direction as the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay
WASHINGTON — Retail sales grew for the sixth month in a row in October, according to figures from the National Retail Federation (NRF). October sales increased compared to September, and also compared to October of last year. The increases were less than some economists had predicted, prompting worries that sales were losing momentum heading into
WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation forecast Monday that holiday sales during November and December will increase between 3.6% and 5.2% compared to 2019, totaling between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. The numbers, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, compare with a 4%t increase to $729.1 billion last year and an average holiday
WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation on Saturday issued a statement congratulating President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and pledging to work with the administration and new Congress to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and propel the country’s economic recovery. “After a historic and unprecedented election season, the country has selected our next Commander
WASHINGTON – Consumer spending in September accelerated at a faster pace than expected, with a strong rebound in apparel leading “a continuing V-shaped recovery” from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the National Retail Federation. The 1.9% increase in retail sales was more than twice the gain economists were expecting and represents the fourth consecutive monthly
WASHINGTON – The White House honored the National Retail Federation on Wednesday with the “Pledge to America’s Workers” Presidential Award. The honor recognizes the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up initiative, one of nine workforce development efforts by businesses and trade groups that were spotlighted by Ivanka Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. “Our industry employs the
WASHINGTON — Retail sales continue to bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said. 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