Report: The state of retail small businesses
Retail small businesses are the backbone of the US economy. For the second year, NRF commissioned a survey of small retailers to gauge their views on the overall economic environment, the health of their individual businesses and whether the public policies that shape their operating environment are supporting or...
Differentiation leads the pack for Hot 100 fastest-growing retailers
What is hot in retailing is what is different. Whether they sell through traditional stores, online or both, companies that provide unique offerings and experiences for consumers dominate the list of Hot 100 Retailers. The list, published in the August issue of STORES magazine, is based on sales growth...
Amazon may be coming for your industry. Here’s how rivals can fight back.
This past weekend, The Washington Post put out a blog article entitled, ‘We’re starting to shop online as often as we take the trash out’. This title is perfect for a piece about online shopping. No one likes to take out the trash and, as they depend more and...
Shoppers Seek Transparency
In this retail landscape, stores that meet shopper demand for easy access to relevant information, clear quality standards and fair treatment of employees can win, FMI says in its new grocery shopper trends report, which also explores what “transparency” means to shoppers. Read more …
Retail’s reinvention story is just getting started
We’ve all heard that retail is in trouble — even serious trouble, depending on who you listen to. But reports of the industry’s death are greatly exaggerated. NRF Vice President of Research Mark Matthews looks at the numbers to see what’s really going on in the age of retail...
Avoid these pitfalls when setting compensation for your employees
How do you know that what you’re paying your employees is enough to attract and retain the best workers, while not sinking all your profits into personnel? Beware of the flaws in these common tactics for determining compensation. Read more …
Mastering the Mobile Wallet
Payment apps are hot. How to know if they’re right for your business–and how they can strengthen bonds with your customers. Read more …
Organic sales reached $47B in 2016
Sales of organic food and goods rose 8% last year, topping $47 billion, with food accounting for $43 billion, according to a study by the Organic Trade Association. Most consumers buy organic food for health and environmental reasons, the study found, and fresh produce, meat and poultry were strong...
How can retailers better manage out-of-stocks?
How to solve a problem like out-of-stocks? The best retail minds have pondered this for decades, and yet empty store shelves still sabotage sales, ding retailers’ cred and threaten customer loyalty. Here’s some advice from three retail experts.
Retail sales grew 0.3% in April
April retail sales grew 0.3% seasonally adjusted over March and 3% unadjusted year-over-year, according to NRF’s calculations, which exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants. When looking at business lines, performance in April was driven by online and other non-store sellers, electronics stores and building materials and supplies. Read more...