Import volumes slump as trade policy clouds 2026 outlook
tariffs and trade policy uncertainty persistently affect demand,
NRF
NRF: Thanksgiving holiday weekend draws a record 203 million shoppers
Consumers turned out both in-store and online throughout the five days.
NRF Foundation names top three teams for 2026 University Challenge
“This year’s finalists have demonstrated exceptional creativity, collaboration and strategic thinking.”
NRF predicts record 187 million Thanksgiving weekend shoppers
Black Friday is the top shopping day, with 70% of consumers planning to take advantage of deals.
Seasonal hiring falls to post-recession low
The decline reflects a broader shift in how retailers manage labor costs amid tariffs, inflation, and automation investments.
NRF sees holiday sales surpassing $1 trillion
U.S. consumers are approaching the 2025 holiday season with caution but also confidence.
NRF Global Port Tracker shows year-end import slowdown
After an initial surge in shipments to counter tariff uncertainty, November and December are expected to be the slowest months of 2025.
Retail holiday spend to surpass $1 trillion in 2025, NRF forecast finds
Consumers report they expect to spend an average of $890.49 per person on gifts, food, décor, and other seasonal purchases.
NRF unveils 2026 Class of Retail Voices in partnership with RETHINK Retail
Honorees to be recognized at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show in New York.
Holiday budgets hold steady despite inflation
Shoppers are resilient, planning to spend only 1.3% less than last year’s record. Retailers expect early deal-hunting and a long shopping season into December.
Unhappy returns: Consumers expected to return almost $850 billion in merchandise in 2025
The returns rate is in line with 16.9% last year, when returns totaled $890 billion.
NRF and Georgetown McDonough launch NRF Business of Retail Initiative
The initiative will establish the first National Retail Federation Chair in Retail Studies, the NRF Summit, and two NRF MBA Fellows, as well as research grants to shape the future of retail.
NRF Foundation names The Door as RISE Up partner of the year
"The Door has been an extraordinary partner with the NRF Foundation in expanding access to retail careers to young people in New York City."
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin to keynote NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show
The session will examine Fanatics’ shift from an online fan gear shop to a global digital sports platform.
Early shopping and discount stores drive Halloween surge
Even as most shoppers expect higher prices due to tariffs, more than 70% of consumers still plan to celebrate the holiday.
NRF honors Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CEO Fran Horowitz as The Visionary 2026
Horowitz will participate in a fireside chat on January 12 at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show.