Back-to-school shoppers start early, but focus on value as spending hits record levels
"Affordability is a concern for families and a top priority for retailers as we enter the back-to-school season."
NRF
Retail sales continue to climb in June
Health and personal care stores remained among the strongest retail performers as consumers continued spending during June.
Retailers accelerate imports ahead of expected tariffs
A new NRF report forecasts record container traffic in July as retailers frontload inventory due to trade uncertainty and potential higher import costs.
NRF releases 2026 Top 100 Retailers ranking
“Companies are doing quite well,” said David Marcotte, senior vice president of global insights and technology at Kantar.
NRF criticizes Visa and Mastercard settlement
NRF stated the proposed agreement doesn't address retailer concerns about limited competition in payments and doesn't sufficiently curb rising transaction costs.
June imports rise year over year, remain below 2025 levels through fall
"The ongoing trend is for lower imports as the conflict in Iran continues to cause higher inflation and economic uncertainty.”
Retail spending remains resilient amid inflation pressures, NRF reports
April sales climbed as steady employment, wage growth and tax refunds supported consumer spending.
NRF praises House passage of Federal Retail Crime Bill
“NRF has been leading the fight on behalf of retailers for passage of this legislation."
Port imports to decline after May-June bump
Import cargo volumes at major U.S. ports are expected to stay below last year’s levels into early fall, despite temporary May and June gains.
Pharmacy-adjacent categories drive March retail growth
Data shows consumers prioritize spending on health, self-care, and wellness despite economic pressures.
NRF unveils 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers list
The ranking methodology assigns scores based on a retailer’s domestic and international retail revenues.
Retailers navigate rising logistics costs amid global uncertainty
Although relatively little U.S. containerized cargo comes from the Middle East, the report emphasizes how global shipping networks remain highly interconnected.
NRF: Easter spending poised to hit record $24.9B
Candy is the leading shopping category for Easter this year, with 92% of consumers planning to purchase sweets.
NRF predicts 4.4% retail sales growth this year
“Consumer spending was a steady and reliable engine of growth in 2025,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.
NRF responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs
“The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers.”
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor: Retail sales extend gains in January
Health and personal care stores were up nearly 6% year over year in January as overall retail sales continued to advance, NRF reported.