Discount/Variety

American consumers powered through the winter weather lifting retail sales in February. According to the National Retail Federation – the world’s largest retail trade association – February retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.2 percent adjusted month-to-month and 2.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year. “Today’s positive retail sales report indicates that the economy… Keep reading →

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statements from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay and Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz on the January jobs report: “While it is always positive to see an increase in private sector hiring and a decrease in unemployment, it is alarming that employment can’t shift into a higher gear,”… Keep reading →

The National Retail Federation released its 2014 economic forecast today, projecting retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1 percent*, up from the preliminary 3.7 percent growth seen in 2013. NRF also announced today it expects online sales in 2014 to grow between 9 and 12 percent. “Measured improvements in… Keep reading →

Severe winter weather did not dampen December retail sales as shoppers took advantage of heavy promotions and last-minute deals. According to the National Retail Federation – the world’s largest retail trade association – December retail sales, which excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month, and 4.6 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Total… Keep reading →

Positive retail sales numbers in the month of October point to a good holiday sales season ahead. According to the National Retail Federation – the world largest retail trade association – October retail sales, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 2.5 percent seasonally adjusted over September, and 4.2 percent unadjusted from 2012. “Consumer spending… Keep reading →