May16
| Also posted in Economy |
It’s been an interesting spring already. Slow March retail sales gave way to improved April retail sales, no thanks to the weather – I’m sure those in Colorado understand this more than anyone. Weather aside, consumers once again showed their resiliency last month. As we move forward into late spring and early summer, many experts [...]
May07
| Also posted in Public Policy, Video |
In the final hours before the Senate’s historic Monday night vote to approve sales tax fairness legislation, NRF executives took to the airwaves to argue that “a sale is a sale” when it comes to requiring online sellers to collect sales tax the same as local stores. NRF Senior Vice Presidents David French and Ellen [...]
Apr26
| Also posted in Research |
Born to a generation where “having it all” seemed commonplace, today’s millennials are known for a variety of perceptions, such as being labeled “trophy kids” and having “helicopter parents.” I’m hardly a millennial expert, but I do know that adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a very interesting story to tell. Generational [...]
Apr16
| Also posted in Economy, Research |
The current economic recovery, which according to the U.S. government officially began in June, 2009, is approaching its fourth birthday. In comparison to previous business cycles – or the “ups and downs” in economic activity, defined in terms of periods of recession, recovery and expansion, this economic recovery seems to be dragging its feet. Since World War II, the average [...]
Apr09
I click on a J.Crew email marketing piece at least twice a month. Someday I’d like to meet the talented marketing team that has reviewed the customer data, brainstormed the perfect subject line, and in essence, guided my brain to click through to the fabulous No. 2 pencil skirt I’ve been eyeing for weeks. If [...]
Apr01
March marked a symbolic victory for sales tax fairness advocates after the Marketplace Fairness Act amendment was approved in the Senate just before the spring recess. The 75-24 vote attached non binding language to the federal budget resolution giving states the right to require online sellers to collect sales tax the same as local brick-and-mortar stores. On [...]
Mar29
What a difference a year makes. After one of the warmest winters on record last year, January-like temperatures have snuck late into March. And while nearly half of Americans intend to purchase clothes for Easter, the absence of warm weather has prompted shoppers to ask the question: sandals or snow gear? NRF’s Kathy Grannis joined [...]
Mar21
| Also posted in Retail Companies |
Just over two years ago, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay announced his strategic plan for NRF. In that plan was a creation of an executive staff that would enhance the organization’s visibility among policymakers in Washington and retail executives around the world. Among those named to that executive team was Vicki Cantrell, chosen to [...]
Mar14
| Also posted in Economy, Video |
In an interview yesterday on Bloomberg Television, NRF CEO Matthew Shay talked about the recent release of February retail sales numbers and what they mean for retailers, consumers and the economy as a whole. “The numbers today demonstrate the critical nature of the retail industry in job creation and consumer spending, the durable nature of [...]
Also posted in: Economy | Video
Mar12
| Also posted in Loss Prevention |
Dealing with everything from shoplifting to extreme weather, the retail loss prevention profession requires constant vigilance in order to protect employees, customers and assets. While the range of threats is far-reaching, a few continuing and evolving trends are shaping the industry in profound ways. To explain the retail loss prevention landscape, we asked Rosamaria Sostilio, [...]