Pharmacy-adjacent categories drive March retail growth
Data shows consumers prioritize spending on health, self-care, and wellness despite economic pressures.
Data shows consumers prioritize spending on health, self-care, and wellness despite economic pressures.
The ranking methodology assigns scores based on a retailer’s domestic and international retail revenues.
Although relatively little U.S. containerized cargo comes from the Middle East, the report emphasizes how global shipping networks remain highly interconnected.
Candy is the leading shopping category for Easter this year, with 92% of consumers planning to purchase sweets.
“Consumer spending was a steady and reliable engine of growth in 2025,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.
“The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers.”
Health and personal care stores were up nearly 6% year over year in January as overall retail sales continued to advance, NRF reported.
Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates, said tariffs have brought “a global change in trade relations” that is complicating forecasting.
Shoppers are budgeting a record $199.78 on average for gifts.
Trade policy remains a significant variable in the outlook for 2026.
tariffs and trade policy uncertainty persistently affect demand,
Consumers turned out both in-store and online throughout the five days.
“This year’s finalists have demonstrated exceptional creativity, collaboration and strategic thinking.”
Black Friday is the top shopping day, with 70% of consumers planning to take advantage of deals.
The decline reflects a broader shift in how retailers manage labor costs amid tariffs, inflation, and automation investments.
U.S. consumers are approaching the 2025 holiday season with caution but also confidence.