Retail Stores

Retail sales increased during August as consumer demand outweighed the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and other factors affecting spending, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said Thursday. The U.S. Census Bureau reported overall retail sales in August were up 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted from July and up 15.1 percent year-over-year. Despite occasional month-over-month declines, sales have grown…

Holiday retail sales are likely to increase between 7 percent and 9 percent in 2021, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast. Overall, Deloitte’s retail and distribution practice projects that holiday sales will total $1.28 trillion to $1.3 trillion during the November to January timeframe. Deloitte also forecasts that e-commerce sales will grow by 11 percent…

In episode 315 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Joe Malmuth, vice president of franchise development and relations at Batteries Plus, a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. Malmuth discusses the 33-year evolution of the Batteries Plus business, his career journey…

On Aug. 16, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio issued Executive Order 225 (the “Order”) and related guidance regarding the “Key to NYC” vaccination requirements for nearly all patrons, employees, interns, volunteers, and contractors entering indoor dining, entertainment, recreation, and fitness settings. Under these requirements, all individuals age 12 or older must show proof that…

The COVID-19 pandemic forced retailers to transform at never-before-seen speeds in the industry, encompassing an acceleration to digital as stores were forced to shutter their doors. At the height of the global lockdowns, the pandemic widened the gap between physical retail and online commerce. In the U.S. alone, approximately 20,000-25,000 stores were expected to close in…

Walmart is raising hourly wages for more than 565,000 workers in the latest example of a large employer trying to attract and retain employees in a challenging labor environment. In a memo to employees obtained by CNN Business, Walmart President and CEO John Furner said that starting Sept. 25, associates working in the retailer's front…

We’re now well into 2021, and we can say with certainty that retail’s rebound is legitimate. By continuing to invest heavily in in-location experiences, retailers have bounced back admirably from unprecedented adversity. As of early June, the National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts retail sales to continue growing between 10.5 percent and 13.5 percent throughout the remainder…

Generations are often shaped by common experiences and major historical moments, and the COVID-19 pandemic is sure to leave an indelible mark on current and future generations for years to come. Millennials and Gen Zers who endured the global health crisis will be shaped not just by the grief, loss and financial damage they faced,…

Consumers made one thing clear in our State of Consumer Behavior 2021 report: experiences matter. Ninety percent of consumers say they’ll return to your store if you provide a “positive experience.” It’s also clear that there's no catch-all approach to customer experiences. Shoppers are diverse in their tastes and demands. Retailers must offer a variety…

For decades, big-box stores drew in foot traffic by offering a combination of convenience mixed with a healthy dose of selection and savings. Shelves were fully stocked with a variety of trusted brands, all available at the low price only large-scale chains can offer. Because the stores created a one-stop retail experience outside of urban…