CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor: Consumer spending stays strong in January
“Consumers demonstrated continued resilience in January” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
NRF
U.S. import cargo volumes set to fall in first half of 2026
Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates, said tariffs have brought “a global change in trade relations” that is weighing on import volumes.
Valentine’s Day consumer spending expected to hit new highs
55% of consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with 83% of those buying a gift for a significant other.
NRF renews push for credit card swipe fee reform
NRF stated that the legislation would level the playing field for millions of U.S. businesses.
NRF Foundation Honors raises $2.7M to support retail careers
“The NRF Foundation Honors is more than a celebration; it’s a catalyst for the work we do year-round,“ NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie.
December retail sales surge caps strong 2025 holiday season
NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said consumers continued to prioritize holiday spending despite ongoing cost pressures.
Zebra Technologies boosts retail frontlines with AI solutions at NRF 2026
At NRF 2026, Zebra will demonstrate how it is empowering retailers with new solutions that incorporate AI, automation, and real-time data capture.
NRF: Tariff uncertainty weighs on early-2026 imports
January imports are forecast at 2.11 million TEU, up from last month but down 5.3% from last year.
NRF: 159 million consumers to shop on Super Saturday
Shoppers are expected to use multiple channels, with nearly half, or 71.6 million consumers, or 45 percent, planning to shop both in-store and online.
Global Port Tracker predicts steeper import decline into 2026
“We are seeing the results of the tariffs in weakening cargo demand going forward from the fourth quarter of this year and likely into the first half of next year.”
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 number of Thanksgiving weekend shoppers
Katherine Cullen, NRF vice president of industry and consumer insights, said retailers are ready for the surge.
Retailers slash holiday hiring plans
The decline shows how retailers are managing labor costs amid tariffs, inflation, and automation investments.
NRF: Consumers ‘sentimentally weak but fundamentally strong’ heading into holiday season
Forecast say shoppers’ resilience, steady wages and low unemployment will drive more than $1 trillion in sales despite tariffs, inflation and political uncertainty
NRF Global Port Tracker: Import declines ahead
November and December are typically slower, but last year’s volumes rose due to port strike concerns, and early shipments this year to dodge tariffs shifted more cargo into earlier months.
NRF: Holiday sales to top $1 trillion for the first time
“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity.”