Reasons to Read

Uncover how retailers are balancing selective inventory investments, demand volatility and tariff-related costs in 2Q26.

Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions:

• Why did inventory values rise for 22 of 49 tracked retailers while overall inventory turnover declined 4.6% year over year?
• How are retailers such as Target, Walmart, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Five Below using inventory to support demand, store growth and omnichannel availability?
• Which sectors delivered the strongest turnover productivity in 2Q26, and where did electronics, luxury and specialty apparel and footwear face pressure?
• How are tariffs, demand volatility and receipt timing shaping inventory planning, working-capital management and margin protection?
• How are retailers balancing inventory availability, store expansion and omnichannel demand while managing inventory productivity?

Companies mentioned in this report include: Abercrombie & Fitch, Albertsons Companies, Alimentation Couche-Tard, American Eagle Outfitters, Apple, Aritzia, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Burlington Stores, Capri Holdings, Casey’s General Stores, Costco, CVS Health, Deckers Outdoor, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Fast Retailing, Five Below, Floor & Decor, Gap, H&M, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize, Kroger, Lowe’s, lululemon, Macy’s, Murphy USA, NIKE, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, RH, Ross Stores, Sherwin-Williams, Sprouts Farmers Market, Tapestry, Target, The Estee Lauder Companies, TJX Companies, Tractor Supply, Ulta Beauty, Under Armour, Urban Outfitters, Walmart, Wayfair, Williams-Sonoma and more.

Data in this report include: US retail sales growth by month; retail traffic; inventory turnover ratios by retailer and sector; year-over-year changes in inventory values; and commentary on strategic inventory actions across leading retailers.