Research Topic

Retail sales stall in July
Consumers cooled their spending in July.
Report: Back-to-school spending to jump 33%
Shoppers are opening their pocketbooks for back-to-school spending this year. Parents expect to spend an average of $1,642 on back-to-school expenses this year, up significantly from $1,239 in 2015, according to the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker report. Parents are expected to spend more on musical instruments this ($267 vs. $194 in 2015), along with mobile devices ($172 vs. $125 in 2015).

Study: Self-service checkout technology may encourage shoplifting

Self-service checkout technology, including dedicated lanes and smartphone apps, may translate into an increased shrinkage rate for retailers. That’s according to a study of retailers in the United States, Britain and other European countries conducted by the University of Leicester in England, the New York Times reported.
Early holiday survey finds retailers bullish

Although it’s only August and the pendulum has plenty of time to swing in the other direction, retailers are feeling optimistic about the upcoming holiday season. That’s according to a report by Fung Global Retail & Technology and First Insight, in which more than 60% of those surveyed said they believe that holiday sales will increase compared to last year, and about 25% expect sales to increase 5% to 10%.
Retail sales stall in July

Consumers cooled their spending in July. Retail sales were flat in July, in line with a revised 0.8% gain in June, according to figures released Friday by the Commerce Department. The report ended three straight months of monthly gains. Sales in July rose 2.3% from a year ago. Excluding automobiles and parts sales, sales fell 0.3% in July — the weakest reading since January, after a 0.9% gain in the prior month.
Study: EMV pushing aside other payment priorities

Reducing credit and debit card fraud by implementing EMV chip card acceptance has become retailers’ top payment issue in 2016.
Study: Self-service checkouts encourage theft
Moody’s: This retail sector is on fire — even in physical space

The off-price retailer sector will continue to build momentum and outperform the apparel retail segment during the next five years. That’s according to a new report, "Off-Price Retailers Continue to Build Momentum on Value Appeal,” by Moody's Investors Service. Off-price retailers are anticipated to experience apparel revenue growth of 6% - 8%, outperforming the broader apparel segment by a collective 4% in the timeframe.
Cato records dip in July total sales and comps

The Cato Corp. reported sales of $61.2 million for the four weeks ended July 30, down 8% from the same period a year ago. Same-store sales for the month were down 10% from the prior year. On a quarterly basis, Cato sales for the second quarter fell 5% to $236.7 million, compared to $249.2 million a year ago. Second quarter same-store sales were down 6% from the prior year.
Sprouts Farmers beats Q2 profit forecasts

Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. reported second-quarter net income of $37.2 million, which topped Wall Street expectations. The natural and organic food retailer posted revenue of $1.03 billion in the period, narrowly missing Street forecasts of $1.04 billion, but topping last year’s sales by 14%. Same-store sales grew 4.1% in the period.
Menear says Home Depot plans to stay on a roll

Thanks to homeowners who are sitting on their houses and Millennials who are starting to buy some, Home Depot CEO Craig Menear sees a rosy revenue picture ahead for home centers.
Jo-Ann crafts a mobile cash-back solution geared toward millennials

Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts’ foray into mobile rebates is part of the 850-store chain’s strategy for reaching millennials. The retailer has partnered mobile shopping app provider Ibotta to offer cash-back rebates on in-store purchases, something Jo-Ann’s feels will build loyalty among the millennial set. The multi-year partnership will provide users with special offers and cash-back options at any one of Jo-Ann Stores retail locations.