Flash Report | December 2, 2021 Register for Free Access Omicron Implications for Retail: First ThoughtsThe first US case of the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, has been reported in California. We examine the potential implications of the new variant for retail in the near future and for the months ahead. Read More
Flash Report | December 2, 2021 Register for Free Access Holiday 2021: US Store Traffic Jumps, Digital Sales Underwhelm During Cyber WeekAs part of our holiday 2021 coverage, we discuss digital sales performance on Black Friday and during Cyber Week in the US. Read More
Insight Report | November 30, 2021 Premium October 2021 Monthly Consumer UpdateAnalyzing consumer demand in October 2021, we saw stronger-than-expected growth in retail sales in the US, slow but accelerating sales growth in China, and modest sales growth in the UK. We assess these trends and consider wage growth and food and fuel prices in these three markets. Read More
Insight Report | November 30, 2021 Premium Earnings Insights 3Q21, Week 5: American Eagle Outfitters, Dick’s, Foot Locker and Urban Outfitters Post Strong Results; Gap Revises Down Its GuidanceOur weekly Earnings Insights reports feature highlights from recent management commentary at major US retailers as they report third-quarter 2021 earnings. This week, there are highlights from companies that reported in the week ended November 26, 2021, including apparel specialty retailers American Eagle Outfitters, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Gap. Read More
Deep Dive | November 24, 2021 Premium US Apparel and Footwear Distribution: Winning and Losing Channels Amid Market UpheavalUS apparel brands and retailers are altering the way they sell to consumers. We discuss the performance of key sales channels and major players in the US apparel and footwear market, covering department stores, mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs, online-only retailers, and specialty retailers. Read More
Insight Report | November 22, 2021 Premium October 2021 UK Retail Sales: Further Slow GrowthUK retail sales growth returned to modest growth, year over year, in October 2021, ahead of the holiday season. We review data for UK retail in total and by sector for October 2021, covering year-over-year and two-year growth trends. Read More
Insight Report | November 19, 2021 Premium October 2021 China Retail Sales: Stuck in Mid-Single-Digit GrowthWe review the latest data for retail sales in China, in total and by sector. In October 2021, total year-over-year sales growth accelerated, but its slow pace is a challenge for China’s economic recovery. Read More
Deep Dive | November 18, 2021 Premium Food Insecurity in the US: Five Key TrendsThe Covid-19 pandemic has led to a severe and widespread increase in food insecurity—a lack of consistent access to enough food to lead an active, healthy life—affecting vulnerable households. We explore the prevalence of food insecurity in the US, and key trends by region, race and benefits. Read More
Insight Report | November 17, 2021 Premium October 2021 US Retail Sales: Strong Sales Growth Implies Earlier Holiday Season Than UsualOctober 2021 US retail sales, excluding gasoline and automobiles, grew by a strong 25.0% when compared to 2019 values. Using data from the US Census Bureau, we look at which retail sectors saw sales surge and which did not do well. Read More
Insight Report | November 17, 2021 Premium The 12 Weeks of Holidays 2021: #7—A Mid-Holiday Macro Update and ReviewAs part of our The 12 Weeks of Holidays 2021 series, we review recent macroeconomic metrics and their impacts on US retail for the 2021 holiday shopping season. Read More
Insight Report | November 16, 2021 Premium Singles’ Day 2021: Making an Impact Around the WorldAs part of our coverage of Singles’ Day 2021, we look at participation in the shopping festival by retailers around the world—outside of Mainland China—and present examples of the promotions offered around November 11. Read More
Insight Report | November 16, 2021 Premium October 2021 US Retail Traffic and In-Store Metrics: Traffic Jumps by 31% Year Over YearIn October 2021, total US nonfood store traffic increased by 31.4% compared to October 2020, lower than September’s 35.9% growth. We review weekly shopper traffic trends through the month, as well as traffic by retailer vertical, region and retailer location type. Read More
Insight Report | November 15, 2021 Premium Price Jumps and Input Cost Increases: Analyzing Inflation Across US Food, Apparel and Furniture RetailPandemic-driven supply chain disruption and heightened demand continue to create challenges for US retailers. We analyze inflation—covering price rises and input cost increases—across the food, apparel and furniture retail sectors. Read More
Insight Report | November 5, 2021 Premium US and China Quarterly Economic Update, 3Q21: Growth Slows in Both the US and China Our Quarterly Economic Update discusses macroeconomic indicators from the US and China, including GDP and industrial production. We look at recently released data for the third quarter of 2021, which show slowing growth in both the US and China. Read More
Insight Report | November 2, 2021 Premium The 12 Weeks of Holidays 2021: #5—Five Predictions for US RetailAs part of our holiday 2021 coverage, we present five predictions for US retail this holiday season, covering supply chain, store closures, consumer sentiment and sustainability. Read More