National Retail Federation (NRF) Consumer Research Reports Consumers Plan Holiday Spending to be flat Compared to Last Year; Expect This to be biggest omnichannel holiday ever

An NRF survey of over 7,300 customers indicated that the average spending per person this year will be almost flat with last year, increasing to $806 this year versus $802 last year. This is the highest amount of spending in the survey’s 14 year history, but is still disappointing to retailers. “We continue to see… Read more »

2016 Retail Store Closings Planned

Macy’s announced it would be closing 35-40 underperforming brick and mortar retail stores in the 2016 calendar year, making room to open its discount stores. Other retailers also announced plans to close doors in 2016, including Office Depot, Walgreens, The Gap and Barnes & Noble. While retailers are usually reluctant to announce store closures because… Read more »

Shipping Rates Increase as Holiday Shopping Begins

Atlanta-based United Parcel Service announced rate increases to take effect on November 2, in time for holiday shopping. UPS will increase its fuel surcharges and will double its rates to deliver oversize items. Both UPS and FedEx are increasing rates and other charges about 5%. Separately, the US Postal Service is also asking regulators to… Read more »

US Spending Decreases to Lowest Point in 2015 in September

The US Spending Monitor decreased 3.8 points in September, reaching its lowest point in 2015 and the lowest point since August 2014. Retail spending index decreased to 3 points under the 12-month average. The decrease comes with increased negative views on the economy, spending and personal finances. Over 60% of respondents rated their personal finances… Read more »

The Home Depot Builds Third Facility of 1.6 Million Sq Ft to Support Omni-channel Operations; Will Open a New Technology Center in Marietta, GA in October

The Home Depot is officially opening a third facility to support its online business. The new 1.6 million facility in Ohio will employ 500 employees and will support its online operations that currently account for 5% of its business and continues to grow. Home Depot also announced plans in October to open its Marietta Technology… Read more »

Retailers Not Helped By Lower Gas Prices

The latest Consumer Fuels Survey results show that lower gas prices are not changing consumer buying behavior. Gas prices fell $.25 per gallon in September and $.60 since July. However, only 15% of consumers surveyed say they will spend more on non-fuel items in the coming month. Declining gas prices are not increasing consumer optimism… Read more »