Consumer Trends


  • An array of REI running shoes.
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    Courtesy of REI
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    REI launches first running shoe since the ‘70s

    The Swiftland Multi-terrain uses recycled and bio-based materials as the retailer continues to expand its running assortment. 

    By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 2, 2023
  • A nude eyeshadow palette and makeup artist's tools on a marble vanity. Brushes for powder, blush, eyebrows, shadows and sponges for concealer and foundation
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    July Ko via Getty Images
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    McKinsey: Online beauty sales in the US to hit $45B by 2027

    Global e-commerce sales now exceed those of specialty retail which, in 2022, was 20% of the overall industry.

    By Howard Ruben • May 31, 2023
  • An online shopper is sitting outside on the street and is ordering something on her mobile phone with a credit card in hand. Explore the Trendlineâž”
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    RgStudio via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Retail Dive's DTC outlook for 2023

    A look at DTC trends and predictions for what direct-to-consumer brands can expect in the year ahead.

    By Retail Dive staff
  • A retail worker assists a customer as they use a mobile payment device in a clothing store.
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    The top retail trends in 2023

    Discover the top trends in the retail industry for 2023. 

    May 30, 2023
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    Kendall Davis/Retail Dive
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    Podcast

    The Backroom: How the consumer is doing so far this year

    Discretionary goods are a low priority amid an uncertain economy and a desire to spend on experiences, but retailers are holding their own. What about the rest of 2023?

    By Retail Dive Staff • May 25, 2023
  • External shot of a Dick's Sporting Goods store.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    Dick’s plans 9 House of Sport stores in 2023 as sales rise 5.3%

    Unlike Foot Locker, the sporting goods retailer said its consumer is holding up well as it reaffirmed its full-year outlook.

    By May 24, 2023
  • Piles of textiles sorted by color sit on racks and tables in a big warehouse.
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    Courtesy of ReCircled, photo credit: Emily Garrick, RA Productions
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    Textile recycling, reuse missing from FTC’s Green Guides, group says

    Companies and advocates in the textile and fashion industries are urging the Federal Trade Commission to add the issue to its ongoing workshops.

    By May 23, 2023
  • A Bath and Body Works storefront
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    Cara Salpini/Retail Dive
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    Bath & Body Works to add laundry care to product assortment

    The retailer has recently advanced into several new categories, including hair care and an expanded men’s assortment.

    By May 22, 2023
  • A customer uses a mobile device to make a transaction while a cashier looks on with a Square device in between them.
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    Permission granted by Square
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    Sponsored by Square

    How experiential marketing can increase loyalty

    Experiential marketing can bring your business to life and further engage your customers in ways they're seeking the most.

    May 22, 2023
  • An artistic rendering of a Toys R Us that will open soon at Dallas Fort Worth Airport
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    Courtesy of WHP Global
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    Column

    The Weekly Closeout: Toys R Us goes to the airport and retailers exit San Francisco

    The toy company will open a store at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, while retailers are shutting locations in the California city. 

    By Retail Dive Staff • May 19, 2023
  • Lineup of men's Bath & Body Works products.
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    Courtesy of Bath & Body Works
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    Bath & Body Works expands its product assortment for men

    The retailer has grown its men’s category by nearly 50% in the past three years. 

    By May 17, 2023
  • Person in a wedding dress puts a ring on someone's finger.
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    Anna Blazhuk via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Citizens Pay®

    Buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing helps consumers pay for major milestones

    As most Americans anticipate a major life event in the next decade, there’s ample opportunity for BNPL usage to grow.

    May 15, 2023
  • Person using a credit card
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    damircudic via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Cortina

    How retailers can protect their most important KPIs with a curated marketplace model

    By utilizing a modern solution for drop shipping, retailers can quickly and easily add third-party products to their e-commerce sites and online marketplaces

    May 15, 2023
  • A red Burlington storefront says "ladies, mens, kids, baby, home, coats," as clouds billow overhead in a bright blue sky.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    With supply leveling off, the off-price party may be over

    But a return to normal is probably a good thing, according to William Blair analysts.

    By May 12, 2023
  • A person's hand types on a keyboard while the other hand holds a credit card.
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    Poike via Getty Images
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    Online prices continue to drop: Adobe

    Online prices fell for the eight consecutive month, dropping 1.8% in April, according to a new report. 

    By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 12, 2023
  • A retail worker assists a customer as they use a mobile payment device in a clothing store.
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    Permission granted by Square
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by Square

    The top retail trends in 2023

    Discover the top trends in the retail industry for 2023. 

    May 1, 2023
  • Woman looks at labeling on grocery items
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    Aja Koska via Getty Images
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    McKinsey: Consumers are trading down — and splurging

    Inflation is still impacting shopper behavior, but younger consumers are also spending more on treating themselves.

    By April 28, 2023
  • Consumer shops for milk
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Consumer confidence sinks, implying downturn to come

    Weakening optimism among consumers, as measured by the Conference Board, coincides with a decline in credit.

    By Jim Tyson • April 26, 2023
  • Clothing in landfill
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    Annaspoka via Getty Images
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    How good is secondhand apparel for the planet, really?

    Consumers and brands are embracing resale as a way to address fashion’s poor environmental track record, but it may be too little, too late.

    By April 19, 2023
  • Four anoraks, (brown, green, blue and navy) hang on a black rack. their collars and the background are cream-colored.
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    Courtesy of J. Crew
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    Deep Dive

    Resale’s big secret? It may need stores

    To join the secondhand market boom, many apparel retailers and brands have turned to third-party platforms that struggle to sustain a profit.

    By April 17, 2023
  • Cosmetics on a table.
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    iStock via Getty Images
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    Most Gen Z, millennial online beauty shoppers are waiting for a bargain: report

    These consumers will risk a product becoming out of stock rather than pay full price, according to a study by ESW. 

    By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 14, 2023
  • Will National Shopping Outlet Day bring in shoppers amid continued inflation?

    Simon’s event will occur in June — and perhaps kick off a summer sale period — as consumers continue to wrestle with the impact of inflation

    By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 13, 2023
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    More than 50K stores may close by 2027: UBS

    Small chains are most at risk due to lack of capital to build an omnichannel offering.

    By April 12, 2023
  • ThredUp warehouse, packaging.
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    Courtesy of ThredUp
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    American Eagle jumps into secondhand sales via ThredUp

    The retailer is the latest to sign onto the used-apparel site’s quickly expanding resale platform.

    By April 11, 2023
  • Person uses credit card to buy online
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    Nastasic via Getty Images
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    Online prices fell by 1.7% in March: report

    Categories including home and garden, appliances and electronics continue to see price drops. 

    By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 11, 2023
  • Image of a retail store with various items
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    Thierry Serier

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    Sponsored by Mood Media

    How one retailer is making real customer connections

    Creating memorable experiences that capture the attention of your shoppers requires a combination of media solutions that stimulates all of the human senses.

    April 10, 2023