Retail Stores

The National Retail Federation (NRF) delivered a reassuring message to retailers after President Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement on April 2. Despite the implementation of tariffs, the NRF expects the inflation rate to remain at current levels of 2.5 percent as measured by the personal consumption expenditure index. In addition, the retail industry is forecast to grow…

Consumers spent at a slower than expected pace in February, though underlying readings indicated that sales still grew at a solid pace despite worries over an economic slowdown and rising inflation. Retail sales increased 0.2 percent on the month, better than the downwardly revised decline of 1.2 percent the prior month but below the Dow…

Ross Stores announced Monday it opened 16 Ross Dress for Less and three dd's Discounts stores in 14 states in March, reports USA TODAY. According to the discount retailer, these new locations are part of the company's plans to add approximately 90 new stores in 2025, made up of 80 Ross and 10 dd's Discounts…

The retail industry is undergoing a major shift. As consumers return to physical stores, they bring expectations shaped by e-commerce’s speed and convenience. Brick-and-mortar stores are no longer just for transactions; they’re now key spaces for brand loyalty, customer engagement, and personalized experiences. However, one pain point remains: waiting in line. A 2023 PwC study…

Consumers sharply curtailed their spending in January, indicating a potential weakening in economic growth ahead, according to a Commerce Department report released on Friday. Retail sales slipped 0.9 percent for the month from an upwardly revised 0.7 percent gain in December, even worse than the Dow Jones estimate for a 0.2 percent decline. The sales…

Liberated Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection over the weekend and is looking to shutter its U.S. retail stores where it sold brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom. The company said in a Monday press release that it filed for bankruptcy to "implement an orderly monetization and disposition of its businesses." It submitted a…

While at the 2025 National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show in New York City from Jan. 12-14, Total Retail's Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan had the opportunity to interview Steve Dennis, president and founder of SageBerry Consulting, author and podcast host. In this video interview, Dennis shares the important trends and themes he saw emerge this past…

In episode 474 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Brad Santanna, head of omnichannel marketing at The Hershey Company, an industry-leading snacks company, and Steve Triplett, senior vice president of advertising sales at Vibenomics, an in-store digital advertising provider. Listen in as Santanna and Triplett provide insight into the benefits of in-store advertising…

New York Yankees’ superstar Alex Rodriguez was one of over 450 speakers to take the stage at NRF 2025 last week in New York City. From legacy brands such as Tommy Hilfiger to technology innovators like Nvidia, the Big Show was packed with content and attendees. In fact, over 40,000 people from over 100 countries,…

For retailers aiming to stay ahead, operational excellence is a non-negotiable. From temperature challenges to equipment malfunctions, potential disasters can arise at any moment. The ability to swiftly detect and address them is critical. Easily the difference between preserving inventory and losing sales, it's crucial that retail managers integrate effective process management practices that minimize…