Inflation moderated in December, giving retailers some hope

The holidays led many consumers to buy more discretionary items, but they’re likely going to remain careful about their spending this year.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2023

Five Below to convert hundreds of stores to higher-priced concept

The discounter sees roughly twice the spend from customers who purchase Five Beyond products and has received positive feedback on the format. 

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 10, 2023

Macy’s lowers holiday sales prediction

The department store managed to maintain its guidance within its previous range, but its warning suggests that it lost market share, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2023

5 trends that shaped the holidays in 2022

From deep discounts to metaverse activations, here are some of the biggest influences on the season.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 9, 2023

US shoppers took on over $1,500 in holiday debt: report

Consumers relied on buy now, pay later, credit cards and store cards to finance their 2022 holiday spending, according to LendingTree.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2023

Winter weather stymied on-time deliveries in days before Christmas

Project44 data shows how challenging conditions on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24 soured what was overall a smooth peak season for last mile delivery performance.

By Max Garland • Jan. 6, 2023

Shoppers spent record-breaking $211.7B online during 2022 holiday season: report

Discounts also hit record highs, which were “strong enough to sustain discretionary spending through the entire season,” according to Adobe. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2023

Wells Fargo downgrades Target amid signs the worst isn’t yet over

The analysts, saying the mass merchant’s troubles may go deeper than many observers appreciate, have downgraded its stock.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2023

Total holiday spend grew nearly 7% in 2022: report

Though retailers saw an uptick in sales online and in stores this year, inflation has undercut growth, according to GlobalData. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 4, 2023

The Backroom: Ushering in the new year with Doug Stephens

What retailers should know about the realities of the metaverse and more futuristic observations from the retail prophet.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 29, 2022

Patagonia to close stores, give employees paid week off for the holidays

The company says the decision is important for the quality of life it provides its employees.

By Nate Delesline III • Dec. 22, 2022

Holiday returns rise 57% from 2021: report

Consumers have become critical of their discretionary spending and may be returning to repurchase at steeper holiday discounts, Salesforce said.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 22, 2022

Fragrance sales spike for the holidays: NPD

The category outperformed overall discretionary general merchandise spending during key weeks, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 19, 2022

How Ulta is approaching its new store layout and the holidays

Chief Merchandising Officer Monica Arnaudo spoke with Retail Dive about store navigation, pricing options, and bringing mass and prestige together.

By Dani James • Dec. 19, 2022

How small businesses are navigating the holiday season

With the impact of the pandemic ongoing and inflation adding pressure, neighborhood stores are facing similar challenges as their big-box counterparts.

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 19, 2022

Four ways to help your small businesses this holiday season

The holiday season is in full swing, and small retailers are aiming to attract last-minute shoppers. The good news is that spending should remain strong throughout December.

Dec. 19, 2022

Toy retailers turn to discounts to drive holiday sales, clear inventory

Themed Lego sets and movie-related action figures are selling well, while board games and Nerf products are down, according to Jefferies analysts.

By Nate Delesline III • Dec. 16, 2022

The Weekly Closeout: Build-a-Bear enters Roblox and Torrid partners with ThredUp

The toy company is launching a game where users can become business tycoons, and the DTC apparel company announced a resale program.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 16, 2022

November retail sales show the holidays mean heavy promotions this year

Consumers are spending, but they are keen on getting deals, and retailers are slashing prices as the holiday season winds down.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 16, 2022

Consumers rely more on cash and debit cards to pay for holiday purchases: report

More research from Forbes Advisor suggests that shoppers are checking their shopping lists for items or people to omit.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2022

Package theft surged 47% in November, study says

Consumers reported that delivery times have improved since last year, but theft is on the rise.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2022

NRF expects nearly 160M holiday shoppers to turn out for Super Saturday

The industry group also said that consumers finished up more than half of their shopping earlier this month, with clothing topping their lists.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2022

Supply chain should ‘easily handle’ remainder of the holiday season: NRF

Ports are “headed into their winter lull” after a busy and challenging year, according to a new report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 13, 2022

Retail looks beyond its old love — the movies

Toys and feature films go together like butter and popcorn. But with lower ticket sales and fewer blockbusters, “it's not just about movies anymore.”

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 12, 2022

The Weekly Closeout: Toys R Us launches NFTs and David’s Bridal debuts loyalty program for teens

The toy company is releasing 10,000 digital collectibles, featuring its iconic mascot, and the bridal retailer launches a prom loyalty program.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 9, 2022