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 [...]
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 [...]
Avid bikers, frequent fliers and public transportation commuters may not apply, but high costs of gas around the country are causing some people to think twice about their discretionary spending decisions, including when and if they will make a major purchase, take that extra trip to the grocery store, or even head out of town for the weekend. And, [...]
Tax season is here, and millions of Americans are preparing for the April 15 filing deadline. For many, tax season is a time of great stress; for others it’s a time to start thinking about what to do with the extra hard-earned money. But recent changes in federal tax law that decrease the take-home pay of [...]
The books are closed for 2012, and from what we know so far, the year ended on a positive note. Consumers and retailers alike were ready and excited for the season, and it didn’t disappoint – with holiday sales expected to top $586 billion and digital retail breaking records right and left. Our friends at BIGinsight [...]
When it comes to gifts, regardless of the season, there’s no question that the age old saying “it’s the thought that counts” rings true. But this holiday season, it looks like gift-giving might actually be back in fashion after taking a hiatus the last few years. And from what we can see, shoppers aren’t skimping on presents [...]
As retailers are gearing up for the biggest shopping weekend of the year and Americans are working on their holiday shopping lists, two things are top-of-mind: rebuilding in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and the looming fiscal cliff. In a recent interview on Bloombgerg TV, NRF’s Senior Vice President Ellen Davis discussed the impact of [...]
When it comes to the economy, there’s no question that millions of people have had their share of the good, the bad and the ugly. Years of stubbornly high unemployment, fluctuating home values, stagnant income growth and unpredictable retail sales continue to drive the conversation. Last holiday season food and apparel prices were higher than most were [...]
After a sweltering, torrential, difficult summer, it seems that yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: fall-like weather has finally arrived. Here in Washington D.C., our presidential candidates are hitting the campaign trail while we’re basking in 70-degree temperatures with clear blue skies. For those who prefer the cooler weather to the summer [...]
After an unusually strong winter driven by sales of warm weather attire and bright, trendy fashions, a rocky spring followed, making it anyone’s best guess for what retailers would see from shoppers entering the dog days of summer. Dog days might be an understatement this year, with one of the hottest July’s on record combined with [...]