Finfold Times’ Post

A stronger-than-expected showing in retail spending underscores the storyline of a persistently resilient consumer, perpetuating solid economic conditions. While broadly feeling the weight of higher prices and borrowing costs as well as near-term disruptions from the hurricanes, improvements in income as well as access to other supplemental factors, such as credit cards, continue to provide welcome support to consumer spending. Down from a more robust pace of 3.6% last year, at the current trend of 2.3%, this remains sufficient to signal ongoing support to broader economic activity.

A stronger-than-expected showing in retail spending underscores the storyline of a persistently resilient consumer, perpetuating solid economic conditions. While broadly feeling the weight of higher prices and borrowing costs as well as near-term disruptions from the hurricanes, improvements in income as well as access to other supplemental factors, such as credit cards, continue to provide welcome support to consumer spending. Down from a more robust pace of 3.6% last year, at the current trend of 2.3%, this remains sufficient to signal ongoing support to broader economic activity.

It’s the economy, stupid. I know I’m harping on about this, but I think it’s a canary in a coal mine. Dollar Tree is revising its forecast due to spending cuts from…wait for it…middle- and higher-income shoppers, who are now reducing discretionary purchases as rising costs for essentials like groceries and housing take a toll. In contrast, Dollar General is seeing spending declines primarily among its lower-income customers, who are scaling back on non-essentials to prioritize necessities. This signals a broad impact of inflation, with both companies feeling pressure but from different segments of their customer base. So, to put it simply, everyone’s feeling the squeeze everywhere. No wonder credit card balances are at historic highs. https://lnkd.in/ghTg8Xn8 #RetailTrends #DollarTree #DollarGeneral #ConsumerBehavior #EconomicImpact #Inflation

A stronger-than-expected showing in retail spending underscores the storyline of a persistently resilient consumer, perpetuating solid economic conditions. While broadly feeling the weight of higher prices and borrowing costs as well as near-term disruptions from the hurricanes, improvements in income as well as access to other supplemental factors, such as credit cards, continue to provide welcome support to consumer spending. Down from a more robust pace of 3.6% last year, at the current trend of 2.3%, this remains sufficient to signal ongoing support to broader economic activity.

🚀 Good news for UK retailers as the numerous bank holidays in May provided them with a much-needed sales boost according to the latest figures from the ONS 🛍️ EY's Silvia Rindone commented on the figures, appearing in 184 publications over the past few days, including The Independent, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and Evening Standard. You can read her thoughts in the article below. https://lnkd.in/dvxbSeiJ #retail #UKeconomy #Inflation

Quality and other considerations are in play as shoppers mull whether or not to spend their money on discretionary items. How to win over customers in inflationary times. Hint: It’s not just about price. https://hubs.ly/Q02KtVSZ0

SHRINKFLATION- 🐝 A buzz word that just won't stop. 🍯💙Excellent Sales and Inventory plans are a key to staying on your customer's sweet side - and making sure you don't waste any of your revenue dollars as a business. 🍯 Accurately plan your sales so you can buy JUST the right amount of inventory. 🍯 Invest in your 'hero' or carryforward items so that you can negotiate better pricing terms with your supplier. 🍯 Create strategic bundles, special offers and free shipping thresholds so you don't waste all the gross margin you worked so hard to create. ✨ Ahem.. ⬆ ⬆ ⬆ - this analysis is our specialty, BTW. Give this article about shrinkflation from the The New York Times a read, and comment the ways that shrinkflation is impacting your business, or your customers right now. https://lnkd.in/dPwXst56

US Retail Sales rose by 0.6% in February vs 0.8% expected While first time unemployment claims last week fell Whereas February CPI and PPI came in higher than expected Overall, these mixed data 📊 📉 📈 points would further complicate the work of data-dependent Fed on rate cuts although current trajectory indicates a first cut no earlier than June

Finally an inflation-related U.S. article that provides practical facts and solutions--more than largely or exclusively being a whine-fest about how prices aren't what they should be. #consumers #prices #consumergoods #inflation #business #retail #stores #products https://lnkd.in/gzPf62Ru