Retail imports remain high before expected decline
NRF expects retailers to be well-stocked for the holidays after an early surge in imports shifted the traditional peak shipping season earlier.
NRF expects retailers to be well-stocked for the holidays after an early surge in imports shifted the traditional peak shipping season earlier.
The Kantar-compiled list ranks the fastest-growing U.S. retailers based on domestic sales growth.
NRF said these tools can also support personalized discounts, targeted incentives and faster pricing updates.
Shoplifting and merchandise theft declined in 2025, but retailers reported sharp increases in fraud, scams, and organized retail crime, according to NRF’s latest report.
"Affordability is a concern for families and a top priority for retailers as we enter the back-to-school season."
Health and personal care stores remained among the strongest retail performers as consumers continued spending during June.
A new NRF report forecasts record container traffic in July as retailers frontload inventory due to trade uncertainty and potential higher import costs.
“Companies are doing quite well,” said David Marcotte, senior vice president of global insights and technology at Kantar.
NRF stated the proposed agreement doesn't address retailer concerns about limited competition in payments and doesn't sufficiently curb rising transaction costs.
"The ongoing trend is for lower imports as the conflict in Iran continues to cause higher inflation and economic uncertainty.”
April sales climbed as steady employment, wage growth and tax refunds supported consumer spending.
“NRF has been leading the fight on behalf of retailers for passage of this legislation."
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.
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.