Research Topic

The bright spot in the apparel industry is…
Consumers are putting their best foot forward when it comes to spending.
Attention retailers: Affluent shoppers like coupons, too
Think wealthy folks are averse to using coupons? Think again. A new study by intelligent media delivery firm Valassis found that coupon use among the affluent is strong despite their six-digit annual incomes. Consumers collectively saved $3.4 billion by redeeming coupons in 2015, according to NCH data, and affluent shoppers were no exception. Valassis’ research illustrates an opportunity for marketers to reach this group via integrated print and digital promotions.

Survey: Technology needs helping to drive back-to-school spending

Consumers’ increased confidence in their own financial situation bodes well for back-to-school spending. At least that’s according to Synchrony Financial’s Back-to-School survey, which found that clothing, shoes and electronics represent the majority of back-to-school spending for most families surveyed and more than a third expect to spend more in both categories this year. Longer supply lists and more technology needs are among the drivers of increased spending.
How NOT to sell online to British shoppers

Online retailers who hope to sell their goods to British consumers should take heed when it comes to listing the price. A survey by online translation agency revealed that 80% of the British consumer public refuses to buy from websites that do not post their prices in British pounds.
NRF ups retail sales forecast

Retailers should be cheered by the latest forecast from the National Retail Federation. With increases in consumer spending expected to remain solid during the remainder of the year, the NRF on Tuesday upped its forecast for retail sales in 2016 to 3.4%, from the 3.1% forecast earlier. Online and other non-store sales, which are included in the overall figure, are expected to increase 7% to 10% year-over-year rather than the 6% to 9% forecast earlier.
Study: Digital revolution transforming shopper marketing

Online marketing is sparking radical changes — and growth — in shopper marketing. That’s according to a new report from the ANA (Association of National Advertisers), conducted in partnership with market research firm GfK, which finds that shopper marketing, long considered an in-store discipline, is evolving into an omnichannel approach designed to reach shoppers at all touchpoints.
Avison Young completes $14.4 million Georgia sale

Avison Young announced completion of the sale of Shoppes at Vickery Village, a 77,794sq.-ft., 11-building center in Cumming, Georgia. The real estate services firm reports that the purchase price was 20% more than the seller paid for the property only 18 months ago.
Study: Bigger doesn’t always mean better customer experience

Forrester Research has identified the retailers with the most and least satisfactory experience, and a very prominent name scored poorly.
NRF: back-to-school spending to reach $75.8 billion

With back-to-school spending on a “stock up” cycle rather than a “make do” cycle, total spending for K-12 and college school supplies is expected to reach $75.8 billion, up from last year’s $68 billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics.
Home remodeling boom is good news for retailers

With home prices on the rise, consumers are once again investing in remodeling and repair projects.
Deloitte: Retailers should catch early bird back-to-school shoppers

Hesitating to offer back-to-school deals could result in significant loss of potential sales.
Analysis: Prime Day really was that good

Sequels are rarely better than the original, but the second annual Amazon Prime Day may deserve comparisons to “The Godfather Part II” and “The Empire Strikes Back.”