2023 holiday spending to reach record levels

Holiday spending is expected to reach record levels during November and December and will grow between 3% and 4% over 2022 to between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).... more »

Consumers to spend nearly $900 this holiday season

Those celebrating the winter holidays expect to spend $875 on average on gifts, decorations, food and other key seasonal items, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s latest consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights &... more »

Retailers urge Fed to lower debit card swipe fee cap

The National Retail Federation (NRF) urged the Federal Reserve to approve lowering its 21-cent cap on debit card “swipe” fees when the Board of Governors meets to consider proposed regulations on the issue. “Congress told... more »

NRF: Import cargo slows along with spending growth

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports has already hit its expected peak for the year and should gradually slow headed into the holiday season, according to the Global Port Tracker report released... more »

NRF: US economy grows despite labor disputes, inflation

The U.S. economy is continuing to grow even as labor disputes across the country and uncertainty created by Congress add to the ongoing challenges of inflation and high interest rates, said Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist... more »

Halloween 2023 spending to reach record $12.2B

Total Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. A record... more »

Retailers call on Congress to lower credit card swipe fees

The National Retail Federation unveiled a six-figure advocacy campaign to urge members of Congress to stand up for Main Street over Wall Street in support of the Credit Card Competition Act. The announcement follows new... more »

NRF: Economy is growing but momentum slows

The economy is still growing, but not as fast as it was earlier this year, reported Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist for the National Retail Federation (NRF). “The U.S. economy continues to expand, but recent data... more »