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 dropped almost twice as much during April as they did in March, reflecting the first full month when most stores were closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Retail Federation said on Friday. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that overall retail sales during April were down 16.4% seasonally adjusted from
WASHINGTON – Stay-at-home orders are being eased and non-essential stores are reopening in many parts of the country. But the rebound in retail sales is likely to be gradual, and will vary by location, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz predicted on Wednesday. “Getting back to work or shopping in a pre-virus manner is
NEW YORK — Retail sales in the United States are expected to fall 5.1% this year, according to the data and analytics firm GlobalData, which said the projected decline will amount to more than $200 billion. That will be a bigger drop than any other country in terms of total value, and as a percentage
NEW YORK — The full force of the coronavirus pandemic slammed the overall economy and the mass market retail industry in March, requiring unprecedented operational responses from chain managements and workers. While the ultimate impact of the outbreak, both on companies and on millions of individuals remains unclear, essential retailers have emerged as perhaps the
WASHINGTON — Total retail sales fell dramatically in March as the coronavirus pandemic forced restaurants, bars and many stores to temporarily close across the nation. But sales soared at grocery stores and were up at other retailers deemed “essential” as well, offsetting some of the decline. “COVID-19 has hit the retail industry unevenly,” NRF Chief
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 in September were down 0.1% seasonally adjusted from August but up 4.5% unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said on Wednesday. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. “The pullback in September compared with August is possibly a reaction to increased fears over U.S.-China tensions,” NRF Chief Economist Jack
NEW YORK — Retail sales this holiday season are likely to increase by between 4.5% and 5%, according to projections by Deloitte. “Based on a growth in consumer disposable income and spending indicators, retailers, across channels, should expect a strong holiday season in 2019,” said Rod Sides vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and U.S. retail and
WASHINGTON — Retail sales were up 0.9% in July seasonally adjusted from June and up 5.6% unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said Thursday. The numbers exclude sales by automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. “July’s strong results are consistent with a confident consumer,” NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said in a statement on Thursday.
WASHINGTON — Retail sales in June were up 0.6% seasonally adjusted from May and up 2.3% unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said on Tuesday. “These are impressive results showing that the consumer remains engaged and that consumer spending gave a boost to the economy in the second quarter,” NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said
WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales increased 0.5% in May (seasonally adjusted from April), and were up 3.2% unadjusted year over year, according to the National Retail Federation. May’s retail sales increases were broad based, with every category except food and beverage stores showing a gain from April, NRF said. The numbers exclude sales at automobile