NRF: Holiday Sales Lower Than Expected
The National Retail Federation blamed lower than expected holiday sales gains on “clearly avoidable actions by the government.”
economy
NRF Forecasts Another Strong Year Of Retail Sales Growth
Despite issues including the U.S./China trade war, a volatile stock market and the effects of the government shutdown, the NRF is forecasting sales to increase between 3.8% and 4.4%.
NRF: Retail Jobs Gain Month Over Month
January retail industry employment fell by 15,100 jobs unadjusted from a year earlier but increased 14,800 jobs seasonally adjusted from December, according to the National Retail Federation.
LIRA: Remodeling Spending To Slow In 2019
Annual growth in the national market for home improvement and repair is expected to slow by the end of the year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
Survey: Economic, Political Worries Hit Consumer Confidence
According to a University of Michigan survey, consumer sentiment in the U.S. slipped during early January, with the decline primarily focused on prospects for the domestic economy.
Consumer Confidence Levels Down In December
Consumer confidence levels were down for a second consecutive month as concerns grew over a slowdown in economic growth during the first quarter of 2019, officials with The Conference Board said.
Mastercard: Holiday Sales Grow At Highest Rate In Six Years
American consumers were out shopping during the holidays with their wallets open as sales during the festive period saw their highest increase in six years.
U.S., China Agree To Delay Tariffs Increase
The Trump Administration has delayed the scheduled 25% tariff on $200 billion worth of goods manufactured in China that was set to begin January 1.
NRF: 164 Million To Shop Over Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend
An estimated 164 million people are planning to shop Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
NRF: October Retail Sales Up 5.6%
With the holidays approaching, consumers have not slowed their spending in October as retail sales for the month were up 5.6% year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation.
Moody’s: Outlook For U.S. Retail Industry Brightens
Moody’s Investors Service has changed its outlook for the retail industry in the U.S. to positive from stable.
NRF: Consumer Holiday Spending To Rise
Consumers said they will spend an average of $1,007.24 during the holiday season this year, up 4.1% from the $967.13 they said they would spend last year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Home Remodel Spending Gains Peak But Remain Strong
After several years of solid acceleration, annual growth in the national home improvement and repair spending sector of the economy is expected to soften in 2019, according to the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies.
NRF: Retail Imports Remain Strong Despite Tariffs
Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to remain at near-record levels in October despite a new round of tariffs that took effect in September, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
NRF: September Retail Sales Gain
Year-over-year retail sales in September were up 3% as general merchandise stores and electronics and appliance stores reported strong gains in the year’s ninth month, according to the National Retail Federation.
NRF Predicts Strong Holiday Sales
The National Retail Federation said that it expects holiday retail sales in November and December, excluding automobiles, gasoline and restaurants, to increase between 4.3% and 4.8% over 2017 for a total of $717.45 billion to $720.89 billion.
Trump Administration Imposes $200B In Tariffs
The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on $200 billion worth of product imported from China, which includes a host of consumer products such as housewares, consumer electronics, tools and food.
NRF: August Retail Sales Gained As Consumers Stay Positive
Despite some macro economic concerns among consumers and inclement weather in the U.S., retail sales gained in August, according to the National Retail Federation.
Conference Board: Consumer Confidence Gains Traction In August
Consumer confidence has gained in August after only marginally improving in July, according to The Conference Board.
NRF: Tariffs Would Hurt Workers, Consumers
In testimony before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the National Retail Federation spoke out against the Trump administration’s proposed $200 billion in tariffs on a host of items including housewares and various home products.