Kroger raises outlook as grocery demand remains strong
The beat-and-raise quarter reinforces a broader trend: grocery is holding up while discretionary retail cools.
Retail Sales
Import outlook turns negative for holiday season
“The trade outlook for the final months of the year is not optimistic.”
Swipe fees cost households $1,800 a year
Merchants paid a record $236.4 billion in card swipe fees last year. Retailers warn that these costs, now second only to labor, are increasing consumer prices.
PwC Holiday Outlook 2025: Shoppers cut back
Holiday spending is expected to decline by 5%, with Gen Z leading the cutbacks. Traditions endure, while value, food, and gift cards define the season.
Retailers rush imports before tariffs, driving up trade deficit
U.S. retailers pulled in consumer goods and gold ahead of Trump’s August tariffs, lifting imports nearly 6% in July and widening the trade gap.
FMI report: Shoppers embrace food routines and shared meals this fall
Americans continue to enjoy grocery shopping, cook more at home, and embrace mealtime traditions that bring people together.
Circana CEO: Private brands gain ground across income levels
“Even as many consumers grapple with higher credit card debt and read headlines about economic distress, they remain resilient,” writes Stuart Aitken.
Cross-shopping defines new era of retail competition
Placer.ai finds shoppers aren’t abandoning legacy giants but expanding retail routines, fueling a fragmented marketplace where value-focused chains win on specific shopping missions.
Circana: Private labels gain ground in back-to-school shopping
“The slow start to the back-to-school season, and the early shifts in purchase behavior highlight the consumer’s current spending concerns.”
Families hunt for deals as back-to-school spending rises
Shoppers are more cost-conscious than ever, with 57% citing price as their top priority when buying back-to-school items, up from 52% last year.
U.S. e-grocery sales hit $10B in July and set household penetration record
A record 81 million U.S. households, about 61%, purchased groceries online in July.
Port of Los Angeles hits record volume as tariff deadline boosts imports
The record volumes reflect months of front-loading ahead of tariffs.
Retail faces pressure as female consumers reduce spending
Circana says women are changing how they shop in 2025, and the trend could reshape retail.
Amazon expands same-day fresh grocery delivery to 1,000+ cities
The expansion enables Prime members to purchase fresh groceries and everyday essentials in a single transaction, with all items delivered together.
FMI: Fresh foods remain key differentiator for food retailers
“As consumers continue to prioritize health and nutrition, fresh foods remain essential to delivering the quality, convenience, and experience shoppers expect.”
Resonate: Consumers mostly unmoved by tariffs but willing to cut back if necessary
Holiday spending is also set to soften: 38% more consumers are opting out of gift buying compared to two years ago, and 25% plan to shop only during major sales events.