General merchandise sales dip in a year

February 20, 2023

Discretionary U.S. general merchandise retail sales revenue in January of this year landed 3% lower than in 2022 and unit sales were down 5% in the same time…

NRF: January sales reveal consumer resiliency

February 20, 2023

The bounce back in retail sales last month reveals the resiliency of consumers, according to the National Retail Federation, which issued a statement noting…

Retail sales up in January

February 16, 2023

U.S. retail sales, not including automotive, were up 8.8% in January compared to a year ago, and e-commerce sales were up over 8.4% year over year, according…

Everything You Need to Know About the Smart Vending Machine

Like many products and services in the digital age, vending machines are getting much more than just a facelift. These trusty, ubiquitous devices are turning…

Consumers back in stores but not thrilled with experience

February 14, 2023

Consumers are back in physical retail stores but a good number, 40%, say shopping is "less enjoyable" than it was before the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020.

Few consumers aim to spend more this year

February 13, 2023

A hefty number of U.S. consumers are concerned about the economic climate and the concerns are impacting 83% of consumers' spending habits, and just 12% are…

American consumers like humans over chatbots

February 10, 2023

More than two in three, 68%, of Americans have used a customer service chatbot but even more, 77%, view them as frustrating and 88% would rather interact with…

Inflation not cutting hard into consumer spend

February 10, 2023

Inflation and the potential talk of a recession isn't stopping most U.S. consumers from spending this year as 67% plan to spend either the same or more this…

Gen Z consumers worry about recession, seeking better deals

February 8, 2023

The current economy and a possible recession are weighing heavy on a good number of Gen Z consumers, with 70% reporting that inflation and price increases on…

NRF: Recession unlikely, growth ahead

February 7, 2023

A U.S. recession is unlikely and there will be slight growth this year, according to National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.

Consumers just want efficient digital experience

February 6, 2023

A good number of U.S. consumers, 40%, push brand loyalty to the side and aren't too focused on where they buy online as long as the experience is a good…

Automated tech, revenue top of mind for retailers

February 2, 2023

Just over one third of U.S. retailers, 33%, are building entirely separate market approaches to appeal to Gen Z consumers and 77% plan to expand the number of…

Shopping wait time impacting retailer revenue

February 1, 2023

The cost of a shopper waiting in line at a physical store is having a negative impact on company revenues, according to 92% of retailers polled in a research…

Consumer behavior requires balancing act for retailers

January 31, 2023

Consumer behavior, which includes hopping between online and in-store shopping seeking the best value and experience, is going to require a new channel…

How smartphones can shape the retail buying experience

Adopting a mobile-first approach to personalize the retail experience can build a community of customers who are better informed, more engaged and – most…

More consumers care about sustainable shopping options

January 27, 2023

Consumer interest in sustainable shopping is on the increase, with an overwhelming majority of young U.S. shoppers willing to spend more on…

Evaluating a Grocery Store Loyalty Partner

The rising cost of groceries is creating unprecedented turbulence for retailers. A loyalty program can help offer stability, but it takes the right partner.

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Most consumers OK with paying for better return experience

January 26, 2023

A good number, 70%, of U.S. consumers are willing to pay for more flexible retail return experiences.

3 ways to build brand loyalty through e-commerce

by Randy Mercer — VP, Global Products, 1WorldSync

Knowing they can expect a satisfying experience, return customers make purchases 90% more than new customers. Here's how to boost the community of return…

Big spend projected for Valentine’s Day

January 25, 2023

Consumers will be showing big love come Valentine's Day as they're expected to spend nearly $25.9 billion, a hefty increase from $23.9 billion in 2022…