Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has released the following statement from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in support of the Jobs Originated Through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act:

“With the average international tourist spending well over $4,000 shopping in our stores, staying at our hotels, and eating at our restaurants, efforts aimed at encouraging more foreign travel is a simple way to spur economic growth and job creation. This is especially true in the retail industry.

NEW YORK — According to Capital Business Credit's quarterly Global Retail Manufacturers and Importers Survey, 50% of importers of retail goods are experiencing an increase in orders this spring as compared to last year, while 50% are experiencing a decrease or no change from the previous year. Of those surveyed who are having a stronger spring, the majority are experiencing growth between three and 10%.

New York -- Importers and manufacturers who sell to America's major retailers are split as to whether they believe they will see growth and / or reductions in sales for the spring season, according to Capital Business Credit, a non-bank lender that services the retail sector.

Allow me to be the group historian for a minute. Does anyone remember, in 1984, the "Crafted with Pride in the U.S.A." advertising campaign, spearheaded by the late Roger Milliken, and funded by a consortium of fiber, chemical and textile companies? This was supposed to have instilled enough patriotism in the consumer to buy goods made in America at a furious enough rate to keep manufacturing here on our soil.

New York — The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index remained steady in February primarily as a decline in initial unemployment claims and a rise in real average hourly earnings offset negative forces.

WABAN, Mass. — Sam's Club and Amazon were among the retailers that earned top marks for customer service, according to the consulting firm Temkin Group.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Rankings which queried 10,000 U.S. consumers about customer service issues across 246 companies in 19 industries, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector and RadioShack was the lowest rated retailer for the third consecutive year.

Waban, Mass. -- Research results released Tuesday by consulting firm Temkin Group revealed, among retailers, Sam’s Club and Amazon earned top marks.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Rankings which queried 10,000 U.S. consumers about customer service issues across 246 companies in 19 industries, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector and RadioShack was the lowest rated retailer for the third consecutive year.

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Wolverine Brand, the makers of authentic outdoor and work boots, shoes and apparel, is supporting The Wolverine Foundation, a non-profit organization comprised of wildlife scientists with a common interest in the wolverine. The brand's funding is vital to The Wolverine Foundation and supports continued research projects and awareness programs.