October sales rose as consumers began early holiday shopping

Retail sales rose in October as many consumers began holiday shopping early to avoid any shortages amid pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions that are dominating businesses and shoppers this holiday season, the National Retail Federation (NRF)... more »

Garden & Outdoor Living Inspiration

The past two summers created a ripe atmosphere for sales growth in the garden and outdoor product categories. This paradigm shift continues into 2022, and this focus provides retailers an opportunity to provide consumers plenty... more »

September retail sales increase despite supply chain disruptions

Retail sales increased again in September as worries about the COVID-19 delta variant pushed consumer spending toward merchandise rather than services like dining, entertainment or travel despite supply chain disruptions and inflation, the National Retail... more »

Retail imports remain high but port congestion remains

Imports at the nation’s largest retail container ports should remain at near-record levels this month but could see a slight dip from last year’s unusually high numbers as congestion slows the movement of backed-up cargo,... more »

IMC’s High Point Market offers Instagram takeover with seven design experts

International Market Centers (IMC) expands its Market Pros to the Fall High Point Market with seven design experts set to take over the DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Instagram account to share new finds during the... more »

NRF’s annual report expects Halloween spending to soar

Consumer spending on Halloween-related items is expected to reach an all-time high of $10.14 billion, up from $8.05 billion in 2020, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights &... more »

Atlanta Apparel releases report previewing spring and summer trends

Atlanta Apparel’s in-house fashion office has released its semi-annual trend report, previewing the upcoming Spring/Summer 2022 colors, prints and styles retailers can expect to see while sourcing at the upcoming October Atlanta Apparel, Oct. 12-16,... more »

National Candle Association celebrates World Candle Month

Established in 2013 by the National Candle Association (NCA), World Candle Month is celebrated every September and promotes the various ways candles enrich people's daily lives. “This celebration is just one of the many ways... more »