WASHINGTON – Growth in imports at the nation’s largest retail container ports is slowing due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. “Year-over-year growth isn’t as dramatic as it was earlier because we’re now comparing against months when most
WASHINGTON — Imports at retail container ports reflect robust consumer demand in the United States as well as the economic and logistical disruptions that have snarled global supply chains over the past 17 months, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. “Operational constraints brought about
WASHINGTON — Retail sales grew in June after dipping month-to-month in May, in a sign that the industry is benefiting from an improving economy. Retail sales rose 0.6% in June, according to the U.S. Commerce Department, which also revised data for May to show sales falling 1.7% instead of declining 1.3% as previously reported. Many
NEW YORK — When he was asked almost a year ago what pandemic-related changes in consumer behavior would likely stick around once things returned to normal, Walmart U.S. president and CEO John Furner said it was too soon to tell. So when National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay interviewed Furner on Monday, during
WASHINGTON — Citing an accelerating economic recovery, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has raised its retail sales forecast for 2021. The nation’s largest retail trade organization now projects that retail sales will grow between 10.5% and 13.5%, up from its February forecast of 6.5% to 8% growth. “The economy and consumer spending have proven to
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 will grow between 10.5% and 13.5% this year, topping $4.44 trillion, according to a revised forecast by the National Retail Federation. “The economy and consumer spending have proven to be much more resilient than initially forecasted,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “The combination of vaccine distribution, fiscal stimulus and private-sector
WASHINGTON — Traditional statistical measurements are not providing an accurate account of the retail industry’s contribution to the economy, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz contended in the June issue of NRF’s Monthly Economic Review. “In recent years, critics have claimed the retail industry is facing an existential crisis, that retail is not growing
WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation on Tuesday projected that U.S. consumers will spend more than $20.1 billion — a record high — on gifts and other items for Father’s Day this year. The projection is based on NRF’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insight & Analytics. Total spending for the holiday will surpass last
WASHINGTON – Consumers are expected to spend a record $28.1 billion to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, according to a survey released Thursday by the National Retail Federation. That is an increase of $1.4 billion from last year. About 83% of U.S. adults are expected to celebrate the holiday this year. “There is a lot
WASHINGTON – Retail sales rebounded with huge gains in March as government checks fattened consumers’ bank accounts and more vaccination against COVID-19 made it easier for shoppers to get out of the house and lead the acceleration of the U.S. economy, the National Retail Federation said Thursday. “The dramatic increase of 17.7% in March retail
WASHINGTON – Former Macy’s executive Martine Reardon is joining the National Retail Federation as chief marketing officer and executive vice president of content and membership. Reardon spent the last decade with Macy’s, retailer of apparel, accessories, cosmetics, home furnishings and other consumer goods under the Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury banners. She served as Macy’s chief