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retail sales

Retail recovery continues in August

Retail recovery continues in August

WASHINGTON – Retail sales gains in August point to continued recovery from the coronavirus, the National Retail Federation said on Wednesday. “While August retail sales numbers were a bit mixed, we believe the consumer is resilient and is in good shape as we head into the holiday season,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said

Retail sales continued to rebound in July

Retail sales continued to rebound in July

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

NRF: Recovery is ‘being tested daily’

NRF: Recovery is ‘being tested daily’

WASHINGTON – Despite signs that reopening businesses have begun to lift the economy, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said Monday that conflicting data makes it difficult to say how steady the comeback will be. “Optimism about the economy and retail spending is being tested daily with the spread of the coronavirus,” Kleinhenz said.

Retail sales post year-over-year gains in June

Retail sales post year-over-year gains in June

WASHINGTON – Retail sales in June posted their first year-over-year gains since February, according to the National Retail Federation. Sales were up compared to May as well as compared to last June, with gains driven by the reopening of many stores that had been shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 remains a threat for the

May sales rise vs. April as stores reopen

May sales rise vs. April as stores reopen

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

NRF sees ‘fits and starts’ recovery ahead

NRF sees ‘fits and starts’ recovery ahead

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

Retail sales plummet after surge

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

Retail sales plummet amid pandemic

Retail sales plummet amid pandemic

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

NRF sees strong retail sales in 2020

NRF sees strong retail sales in 2020

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