Retail sales put holiday season on track to set records

Retail sales continued to grow in November, putting the 2021 holiday season on the home stretch for record spending despite inflation, supply chain disruptions and COVID-19, the National Retail Federation said. “Despite economic headwinds, November... more »

NRF economist says holiday shopping could beat forecast

The 2021 holiday season appears to be on track to exceed the National Retail Federation’s forecast for record spending despite supply chain disruptions, inflation and challenges like the new COVID-19 omicron variant, Jack Kleinhenz, chief... more »

NPD Groups shares that U.S. retail sales reach near pre-pandemic levels

Before the month of December began, U.S. sales revenue for discretionary general merchandise in 2021 had already reached 100% of the highest level reached in 2019 and 98% of the 2020 peak. According to The NPD... more »

NRF reports nearly 180 million Americans shopped Thanksgiving weekend

Nearly 180 million Americans shopped during the five-day holiday shopping period from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. “Retailers... more »

NRF expects 66% of holiday shoppers will purchase gifts during Thanksgiving weekend

Nearly 2 million more people than last year are expected to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year even as consumers have continued the trend of starting their holiday shopping earlier in the... more »

Timeless Designs

Ben Bear, founder of Meadowbrooke Gourds, launched the Pennsylvania-based business “with a happy accident” in 1995 with 20 designs. Now, Meadowbrooke Gourds offers over 250 creations crafted from the harvested hard-shelled gourds that Bear grows.... more »

Survey says teen shoppers are concerned about gift shortages this holiday season

A new survey of teens conducted for Junior Achievement by the research firm ENGINE Insights shows that most teens (55%) are concerned that global supply chain issues will result in shortages of gift items this... more »

NRF shares consumers are spending headed into 2021 holiday shopping

The impact of the pandemic on the nation’s economy will be a key factor in retail sales during the 2021 holiday season, but the National Retail Federation (NRF) is nonetheless confident in its forecast for... more »