With the gradual reopening of the economy and post-pandemic recovery on the horizon, retail sales continue to experience an uptick: May retail sales reflected a 6 percent increase above the first quarter monthly average, hinting at growth for many retailers across the U.S. With consumers spending more heavily in restaurants, gas and clothing categories that […]
economy
Hope on the Horizon with Deloitte’s Global State of the Consumer Tracker
Deloitte released data from the latest wave of its Global State of the Consumer Tracker, a series of monthly surveys around the globe, that shows there is some hope on the horizon one year after COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. In the survey, consumers reported the lowest anxiety levels since April 2020 and safety […]
Coronavirus Pandemic Affecting Trade Shows and Other Events
Between postponed and cancelled trade shows, retailers selling out of toilet paper and cleaning supplies, thousands stuck in quarantine, and simply not knowing what’s going to happen next, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing quite a bit of mayhem around the globe. The novel Coronavirus has touched over 100 different countries, infecting over 120,000 people to […]
2019 Economic and Consumer Outlook
The overarching theme of retail consumers in 2019 is high expectations. Higher consumer confidence, higher wages, innovative startups and emerging technology all contribute to unrelentingly high standards. But, for all of those same reasons small businesses are in a better position now, more than ever, to exceed consumers’ high expectations. Here’s a deeper dive into […]
Father’s Day is June 17th – Here’s What Dad Really Wants
Consumer confidence translates to heavier holiday spending. This Father’s Day confidence and projected spending are at near-record highs of $15.3 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. According to the annual study, “a total of 77 percent of Americans will celebrate Father’s Day and spend an average of $133 per person.” This expected spending is […]
Federal Judge Blocks Department of Labor’s Overtime Rule
Earlier this year, the Obama administration and Department of Labor passed a groundbreaking update to the national overtime rule. The new regulation, scheduled to take effect on December 1st would raise the salary threshold for overtime pay from $23,660 to $47,476. In other words, all employees, with a few exceptions, who are salaried under $47,476 […]
It’s All About Local: Hometown Success
Stroll through the charming New England village of Bethel, CT and you’ll very soon catch sight of the cheery store windows arranged by Kim Ramsey, owner of The Toy Room, an independent retailer offering toys and games for infants, girls and boys.
2016 Business Leaders Forecast
The new year dawns, and with it comes a blizzard of emails and web site headlines shouting all sorts of promises and possibilities, all of which can leave one wondering which of them to trust.
How to Effectively Deal with Seasonality
Throughout the year, any business will usually experience peaks and troughs due to factors out of its control.
Made in the USA: Strengthening American Business
Made in America is making a comeback in the retail industry in spite of the aftermath of the country’s recession.