Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

Washington, D.C. – Summertime is almost here, and consumers are planning to give the easy and convenient present of a gift card. More than 70% of shoppers will be giving gift cards this spring and summer during the assortment of gift-giving holidays that are approaching, including graduations, Father’s Day, and weddings.

New research from the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA) also confirms that the gifts remain popular with recipients as well, with 95% of consumers hoping to receive gift cards this spring and summer season.

With a title like chief retail innovation officer, Kasey Lobaugh spends a lot of time peering into the future to assess where the retail industry is headed.

The principal with Deloitte Consulting did just that May 18 at Manhattan Associates annual Momentum conference where he elaborated on new research showing that digital interactions are expected to influence 64 cents of every dollar spent in retail stores by the end of 2015, or roughly $2.2 trillion.

Digital ad spending in the U.S. will total $58.61 billion this year, and retailers’ ad outlays will comprise 22% of that figure, according to new figures from eMarketer.

The Obama administration’s plan to revise federal overtime regulations would likely “hollow out” low- and mid-level management positions in the retail industry and result in a shift toward more hourly and part-time workers, according to a new National Retail Federation (NRF) report.

Minneapolis – Target Inc. does not want to be your father’s mass merchandiser. According to the Wall Street Journal, Target has informed established CPG companies including Campbell Soup, Kraft, General Mills and Kellogg Co. that it will promote their brands less to place more emphasis on brands that meet the changing preferences of modern consumers.

Chicago – Despite significant changes in society and online commerce, the mall remains the primary shopping destination in America. Consumer shopping habits have changed, but only slightly, according to JLL’s Shopping Preferences Survey, which polled nearly 3,000 consumers nationwide.

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) is publicly supporting the May 14 Senate vote on Trade Promotion Authority. Trade Promotion Authority is legislation from Congress outlining objectives and oversight for trade negotiations between the U.S. and other countries.

Dollar General is making a difference in the lives of its customers and their communities with another massive donation to literacy programs.

The retailer’s Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $5.8 million in grants to support adult, family and summer literacy programs to approximately 720 schools, nonprofits and literacy organizations across the 43 states Dollar General serves.

New York -- It’s no secret that the past winter took a heavy toll on retailers, with bitterly cold weather and snow storms keeping customers at home and sales down. But the snow also had a negative impact on retailers in other ways, as Kohl’s Corp. revealed Thursday on its quarterly conference with analysts.

Allentown, Pa. – Mobile payment is growing, and Millennials and men may be leading the way. According to a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. adults by Harbortouch examining the current state of mobile payment adoption shows that Millennials were the highest percentage of mobile payment users, with nearly 42% falling into that demographic.

In addition, men are twice as likely to use some form of mobile payment compared to women. Of those surveyed who aren't currently using mobile payments, 20% blame payment-related issues.