Research Topic

New York -- Survey results by Deloitte, released Tuesday, found that even as the economy improves, 94% of Americans indicate they will remain cautious and keep their spending for food, beverage and household goods at its current level.

According to Deloitte's 2013 American Pantry Study, 92% indicated they have become more resourceful, and 86% say they are getting more precise in what they buy -- attitudes that have remained consistent in the three years Deloitte has conducted the study, and across income levels.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Tuesday it will miss its first-quarter profit outlook as seasonal and weather-sensitive items underperformed.
 
The retailer also said it now expects same-store sales to be flat in the quarter.

Target’s quarterly results are slated to be reported on May 22.

New York -- Survey results released Tuesday by Analytic Partners found that 48% of people between the ages of 18-44 feel that any loyalty they have toward brands in the future will have to stem from the types of experiences the brands create for them.

The experience includes interaction such as video/online gaming, social media and third-party expert information through blogs and articles.

NEW YORK — According to survey results by Deloitte, 94% of Americans indicate they will remain cautious and keep their spending for food, beverage and household goods at its current level, despite an improving economy.

Deloitte's 2013 American Pantry Study found that 92% of Americans said they have become more resourceful, and 86% say they are getting more precise in what they buy — attitudes that have remained consistent in the three years Deloitte has conducted the study, and across income levels.

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index ticked down slightly in March, but has remained relatively steady with a reading over 4.0 the past five months. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

New York -- A report released Friday found that confidence among American consumers declined in April to a nine-month low. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment declined to 72.3 in April from 78.6 a month earlier, lower than Bloomberg’s earlier estimates that called for a flat reading.

The decline reflects consumer pessimism about the economy and continuing effects from the increased payroll tax.

New York - U.S. retail sales fell 0.4% in March, the biggest decrease in nine months, amid a slowdown in hiring and higher taxes. Excluding sales of autos, gas and building materials, core sales dropped 0.2% in March, following a 0.3% increase in January.

NEW YORK — U.S. retail sales fell 0.4% in March, the biggest decrease in nine months, amid a slowdown in hiring and higher taxes. Excluding sales of autos, gas and building materials, core sales dropped 0.2% in March, following a 0.3% increase in January.

Issaquah, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp reported a 4% rise in same-store sales, missing analysts' expectations for a 5.2% increase. The company said its results were negatively impacted by lower fuel prices and a strong dollar, which hurt the value of its sales overseas.

Net sales at Costco rose 7%to $9.67 billion for the five-week period ended April 7.

New York -- L.Brands, parent of Victoria's Secret, reported better-than-expected 3% sales in same-store sales for March. Zumiez Inc. and Buckle Inc. also both reported better-than-expected numbers.

But other retailers were hampered by a colder-than-normal March, which caused many shoppers to put off buying warmer-weather clothing, and an early Easter. At The TJX Companies, same-store sales fell 2% in March, a bigger drop than was expected.