Resources

Future Market Insights released a report today that estimates the global perfume market is estimated to reach $39.67 billion by the end of this year, and expects growth of this segment of 5.9% over the next ten years. The firm looked at several Accelerated Analytics beauty and fragrance companies for its report, including Estee Lauder... Read more »

The National Retail Federation (NRF) conducted a survey last week, and found that more than 25% of shoppers say the election will affect their spending.  43% of consumers also state they are being more cautious with their spending because of election uncertainty. Retailers are seeing this effect and are making adjustments. Target and Wal-Mart are... Read more »

According to the Customer Growth Partners’ 16th Annual Holiday Forecast, retail sales for the November-December holiday period will reach $632 billion. The record figure represents an accelerating 4.1% year-over-year increase in holiday sales and significantly exceeds 2015’s tepid 3.6% growth. Rising incomes and deflation in food prices, apparel and electronics are fueling the growth. “Consumers... Read more »

Lowe’s has successfully tested the Microsoft HoloLens in its stores in Raleigh and Seattle – so successfully that it plans to expand the technology to three more yet-to-be-disclosed locations. The HoloLens brings high definition hologram images overlaid to real world surroundings. A customer can use the technology to visualize their home improvements. For example, a... Read more »

The National Retail Federation (NRF) annual survey reveals this Halloween should reach an 11-year high in retail spend, to $8.4 billon. US shoppers are expected to spend an average of $82.93, up $8.60 per person compared to 2015. While candy sales ($2.5 billion) are always attributed to Halloween, retailers should see an uptick in sales... Read more »

Home Sales: Existing-home sales dropped .9% in August, marking the second month in a row of decline. However, year-over-year sales are up .8% over last year. While new home sales have been steadily rising, existing-home sales make up 90% of the home sale market. The National Association of Retailers reports that with the housing market... Read more »

To gear up for what is expected to be a very high e-commerce driven holiday shopping period, UPS says it will hire 95,000 seasonal workers this year, and FedEx Corp will hire close to 150,000. Overall retail hiring is expected to be the same as last year’s high numbers, but a shift to preparing for... Read more »

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported today that Canadians are spending more on clothing, footwear and accessories. Statistics Canada released a report that total retail sales in the clothing segment totaled $41.9 billion in 2015, a 38% increase from a decade ago. During that decade, many retailers exited the Canadian retail market, such as Maxx... Read more »

Vera Bradley has plans to open a pop-up shop in NYC, replacing a shop occupied by Kate Spade through the end of last May. Opening in September, the pop-up shop will be 2,700 square feet over 2 stories and will carry the entire Vera Bradley collection. The store will also be the grand debut of... Read more »