NRF

Retail sales jumped in November as U.S. shoppers ramped up their spending as the crucial holiday season began. 

The retail industry had one of its biggest hiring gains of the year in November as retailers beefed up their ranks for the upcoming holidays.

Millennials helped turn Thanksgiving weekend into a win for most retailers.

U.S. retail sales edged up slightly in the month before the holiday shopping season starts in earnest. 

It appears that retailers are headed for a happy holiday selling season — especially online.

One of the most closely watched holiday forecasts has good news for retailers.   The National Retail Federation said it expects holiday retail sales in November and December to increase between 3.6% and 4% for a total of $678.75 billion to $682 billion. In 2016, up from $655.8 billion last year. The NRF forecast, which excludes automobiles, gasoline and restaurants, would meet or exceed last year’s growth of 3.6% and the five-year average of 3.5%.   

Consumers were cautious in their spending during the summer months.   Retail sales in August decreased by 0.2% from July on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the National Retail Federation. (The NRF numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants. Also, the Commerce Department said data for July was revised to show sales increasing 0.3% instead of the previously reported 0.6% jump.  

Aptos has tapped an industry veteran to assist retailers on their transformation journeys.   The retail technology solution provider has named Vicki Cantrell as its retail transformation officer. In this newly created position, she will oversee Aptos functions for business consulting and strategy, value engineering, and strategic account management. Cantrell will also leverage her retail background to advise and support Aptos customers as they reinvent their businesses for omnichannel growth, profitability and customer loyalty.