Research Topic

Retail sales inch up in October
U.S. retail sales edged up slightly in the month before the holiday shopping season starts in earnest.
Report: Key indicators point to positive holiday season for retailers
A combination of factors are expected to boost U.S. holiday sales this year.

Report: Aggressive holiday promotions to cut into retailers' margins

Retailers' margins will be substantially lower in 2018 due to aggressive discounting and pricing.
Study: Rising shopper expectations outpace in-store service

Overall shopper satisfaction is on the upswing, but many customers are still unsatisfied with customer service.
Technology leaders tops most valuable U.S. brands study

Five technology companies took the top five spots in a new ranking of the most valuable brands.
A surging Home Depot Q3 beats Street; raises full-year outlook

Repairs resulting from hurricanes and other natural disasters helped Home Depot beat estimates in its third quarter, and also caused the retailer to raise its outlook for the year.
Blockbuster mall deal: General Growth Properties receives $14.8 billion bid

Brookfield Property Partners has bid $14.8 billion bid to acquire all the remaining shares in General Growth Properties that it currently doesn't own.
Most Americans plan to shop on Black Friday

Black Friday hasn't lost its clout.
Party City's Q3 hit with hurricanes and Web performance issues

Party City reported third quarter profit in line with expectations even as its sales fell short due to Web problems and the impact of hurricanes.
Study: BOPIS usage tops holiday shopping lists this year

If retailers want to maximize in-store foot traffic this holiday season, they must focus on buy online pickup in-store (BOPIS) services.
Drexler: Walmart should have bought J.Crew

Retail veteran Mickey Drexler, the former CEO and current chairman of J.Crew Group, has never been afraid to speak his mind.
Report: Gift cards have big upside for retailers

Retailers stand to benefit from gift card sales beyond the initial purchase.