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 →
Commerce
Today, the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), an open global forum for the development of payment card security standards, testified before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance. The Council was asked to participate in the hearing on “Safeguarding Consumers’ Financial Data” because of its role in designing and… 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 →
On Monday, January 13, 2014, the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS”) will hear a landmark case concerning a bankruptcy court’s power to protect the bankruptcy process from abuse. In Stephen Law v. Alfred H. Siegel, Chapter 7 Trustee, Mr. Law forfeited the privilege of claiming a homestead exemption due to his attempt to… Keep reading →
The following was issued by Brian O’Shaughnessy, Regional Vice President, USA for the Licensing Executives Society (USA and Canada), Inc. The debate over patent litigation abuse, and its effect on innovation and our economy, continues to rage. Various interests, and now members of Congress, argue that immediate action in the form of legislation is needed…. 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 December jobs report: “The nation’s retailers continued to add to their payrolls in December even in the midst of the condensed holiday shopping season,” Shay said. “Retailers and merchants, especially those operating… Keep reading →
Optimism for the nation’s economic outlook among U.S. business leaders plummeted 16 percentage points in fourth quarter 2013 to a net balance of 36 percent according to the latest data from the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), a survey of 3,300 business leaders in 45 countries. Hiring expectations in the United States declined for… Keep reading →
Manufacturers’ News, Inc.– For a third straight year industrial employment in Kentucky posted a gain, according to the 2014 Kentucky Manufacturers Register®, an industrial directory and database published by Manufacturers’ News, Inc. (MNI) Evanston, IL. The report, based on data collected by Manufacturers’ News, states Kentucky gained 7,401 manufacturing jobs from September 2012 to September… Keep reading →
Retailers Disappointed by Approval of ‘Deeply Flawed’ Credit Card Swipe Fee Settlement
By businesswireThe National Retail Federation issued the following statement from Senior Vice President and General Counsel Mallory Duncan in response to U.S. District Court Judge John Gleeson’s approval of a controversial antitrust lawsuit over credit card swipe fees. “We are very disappointed that this deeply flawed settlement has been approved. It is not supported by the… Keep reading →
Airlines for America Urges Congress to Rework Government Policies to Improve Global Competitiveness of U.S. Airline Industry
By businesswireAirlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio testified today before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation, addressing the critical role U.S. airlines play in economic growth and job creation and urging Congress to create a policy environment that enables carriers to run a business while encouraging growth, jobs and… Keep reading →