Consumer Trends

E-commerce prices decline for the first time in over two years: Adobe

Online, there may be some relief in sight for high inflation that has rattled both consumers and retailers in recent months.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 10, 2022

US online retail sales to reach $1.6 trillion by 2027: report

Total retail sales are expected to reach $5.5 trillion by that same year, according to Forrester

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 8, 2022

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The state of small business

Disruptions from the pandemic, e-commerce and broader economic trends continue to bedevil operations for small businesses.

By Retail Dive staff

Why running brands are finally making shoes for women

As the sport rises in popularity, brands are breaking from tradition and investing in running shoes that are actually manufactured for a woman’s foot.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 8, 2022

From revenue drain to loyalty driver: upgrading retail return experiences

Returns management is an expensive business. Managed well, it’s also key to retaining customers, curbing losses and fueling revenue for the long haul.

Aug. 8, 2022

Cowen downgrades Kohl’s as middle-income shoppers spend less on apparel

The retailer and its peers could lose share to discounters as their customers get squeezed by rising prices and cut back on clothing purchases.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 5, 2022

Consumer wariness comes for Simon-owned retailers in Q2

CEO David Simon told analysts that volatility in retail is “just the way of the world” and downplayed the REIT’s investment in the industry.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 3, 2022

Anthropologie launches denim recycling program

The company said customers are invited to recycle any type of denim apparel item as long as it's made of 90% cotton or greater.

By Stephanie Arnold • July 29, 2022

The Backroom: Planet retail

Retailers know they have an important role in addressing climate change. But navigating sustainability is riddled with challenges.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 28, 2022

As consumers return to stores, why would Amazon shut the door?

The e-retailer is expanding its grocery fleet and experimenting with apparel stores. But it has abandoned stand-alone brick and mortar for book sales and other merchandise.

By Daphne Howland • July 25, 2022

Urban Outfitters to bring Parade into select stores

On the forefront of inclusive marketing in the competitive lingerie segment, the DTC brand joins others in turning to wholesale to stoke revenue.

By Daphne Howland • July 25, 2022

Pottery Barn launches accessible home collection

The line, which features select ADA-compliant products, includes desks, pivot mirrors, grab bars and motion lift chairs.

By Caroline Jansen • July 25, 2022

Hasbro, Mattel make gains in tough Q2

Sales are up at the toy companies, but margins are still getting squeezed by supply chain costs. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 22, 2022

The Weekly Closeout: Tractor Supply names chief marketer and Mattel partners with SpaceX

Kimberley Gardiner joins the retailer as its former CMO retires. Meanwhile, the toy company signed a multi-year agreement with Elon Musk’s space firm.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 22, 2022

Online prestige beauty sales drop 14%: report

Macy’s and Target have increased in popularity, though, with Macy’s taking market share away from Sephora and Nordstrom’s online channels.

By Kaarin Vembar • July 22, 2022

Kohl's outlook turns negative at S&P as it faces tough retail environment

After acquisition talks ended, the retailer is under pressure from shareholders and consumers’ tightening wallets. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 21, 2022

Bath & Body Works girds for sales, profit decline in 2022

Traffic is falling at the retailer, and lower income consumers are tightening spending as they wrestle with inflation. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 20, 2022

Retail braces for the second half of the year, as cautious shoppers pay more but get less

June’s retail sales reflect a drastic change for consumers, who were supported by the government last year but are now squeezed by inflation.

By Daphne Howland • July 18, 2022

Researchers: Omnichannel is now a baseline consumer expectation

Shopping experiences that were once considered cutting-edge are now baseline consumer expectations.

July 18, 2022

The Weekly Closeout: Kanye West files trademark for retail stores and Laffy Taffy turns to NFTs

The rapper filed trademarks for the name “YZYSPLY,” while the candy maker turned jokes found on its wrappers into non-fungible tokens.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 15, 2022

Inflation reshapes Amazon Prime Day

Shoppers used the two-day sale to stock up on household essentials and take care of some holiday lists, sticking mostly to smaller purchases.

By Daphne Howland • July 14, 2022

Back-to-school spending set to be an all-time high, amid inflation concerns: report

Deloitte found that 37% of shoppers intend to spend more than last year, but brand loyalty is at risk with price increases and inventory issues.

By Dani James • July 14, 2022

Shoe companies pause hiring and investing as they brace for weaker sales

Concerns have shifted from supply chain to inflation and consumer behavior, according to the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America.

By Ben Unglesbee • July 11, 2022

Report: E-commerce sales to exceed $1 trillion this year

Online shopping is expected to grow despite concerns about inflation and a potential economic downturn, according to FTI Consulting.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 11, 2022

Inflation the latest challenge for malls

The retail model was on the decline even before the pandemic. Now shoppers are staying away again as gas prices rise, according to Placer.ai research.

By Daphne Howland • July 7, 2022

Target deepens back-to-school offers amid inventory headaches

The retailer is adding to promotions for students and teachers as back-to-school sales are forecast to exceed pre-pandemic numbers.  

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 7, 2022