NRF chief economist: The consumer is not feeling great
American consumers remain uneasy amid growing concerns over tariffs and economic policy, according to NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.
Retail News
U.S. retail sales jump 1.4% in March
Grocery and health-related retail remained steady but unspectacular: food and beverage stores rose just 0.1% from February, while health and personal care stores grew 0.4%.
Kroger appoints key retail leaders
Kroger appointed Joe Kelley, president of the Colorado-based King Soopers & City Markets division, to be senior vice president of Retail Divisions.
Sales of store brands in Q1 2025 outpace national brands
Store brand dollar sales gained 5%, and unit sales rose 0.9%, compared to national brands, which were up 0.8% in dollars and down 1.1% in units during the quarter ending March 23, compared to the same period a year ago.
FMI issues statement on SNAP waiver request announcements
“It is critical not to create chaos and confusion both in individual stores and through a jumbled mixture of varying state requirements.”
Albertsons reports Q4 and full-year 2024 results
Albertsons Cos. anticipates earnings will be below expectations this year, as the ongoing trade war could lead to higher prices and negatively impact consumer demand.
FMI's Harig: Food industry must brace for disruption due to tariffs
Despite the uncertainty, FMI's Andy Harig advised industry stakeholders to remain adaptable, transparent, and communicative with customers.
FMI Grocery Shopper Snapshot reveals growing consumer pessimism
Tariffs are a major concern for grocery shoppers. Many express concern that nonfood tariffs will increase the price of food products.
Tickets and hospitality passes on sale for 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give
The previous ten tournaments generated more than $12 million to feed families across the Midwest through the retailer's Simply Give program.
NRF: Tariff fears drive modest retail gains in March
In early March, 46% of consumers reported stocking up on goods such as appliances and clothing out of concern that prices would rise.
NRF applauds House passage of FY2025 budget resolution
“NRF urges Congress to move swiftly to ensure a stable and competitive tax code that supports continued economic opportunity.”
NRF issues statement in support of federal bill to combat retail crime
“This legislation is an important step to help prevent ORC from infiltrating local communities across the country.”
Trend-to-Product: Walmart’s new AI engine for innovation
Walmart envisions Trend-to-Product as a springboard to reshape product innovation across multiple categories, from beauty to food.
CoBank: Grocery price hikes loom amid tariff turmoil
Eighty-two percent of U.S. consumers expect tariffs to increase prices, particularly for groceries, which are predicted to experience the steepest hikes according to the report.
FMI releases statement on March CPI food price numbers
FMI’s Vice President of Research and Insights, Steve Markenson, emphasized the toll economic uncertainty is taking on shopper confidence.
Inflation cools, but tariff turmoil clouds Fed outlook
Grocery prices remained elevated, showing a 0.5% increase in the rate of food price inflation from February 2025.