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Retailers

Retailers are stuck in a cycle of constant sales

by Kristin Schwab
Jan 17, 2024
Once consumers adjust to a 24/7 promotion environment, it hard for companies to stop.
Online shopping has given consumers the ability to compare prices in real time, giving retailers more incentive to offer deals.
Kena Betancur/Getty Images
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Bloated inventories are dragging down some sectors of the economy

by Justin Ho
Jan 11, 2024
Clothing companies and bike stores are some businesses that still have excess inventory — and that has ripple effects through the economy.
The bike industry has been oversupplied for more than a year, says Jeff Cayley, CEO of Worldwide Cyclery, and many stores are offering deep discounts.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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After the holidays, retailers hope to keep the party going

by Kristin Schwab
Dec 27, 2023
Even though holiday shopping numbers were solid, retailers might see a slower start to 2024 when consumers' credit card bills come due.
While retailers may encourage January shopping, the push could turn off consumers after an earlier-than-usual start to the holiday selling season.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Faced with an onslaught of returns, retailers are telling shoppers: "Just keep it."

by Henry Epp
Dec 1, 2023
“Returnless refunds” or “keep it" return policies have now been adopted by more than half of major retailers, according to a new survey.
One reason retailers have adopted "keep it" return policies is that shipping and re-shelving can cost a lot.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing

by Kimberly Adams
Nov 29, 2023
We spent more over the holiday, but we bought less — thanks to inflation.
While consumers spent a couple percent more this Black Friday weekend than last, they didn’t necessarily buy more.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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Retailers wielding holiday discounts as competitive weapon

by Savannah Maher
Nov 27, 2023
Instead of marking down items to clear inventory, retailers are using discounts to draw customers away from competitors.
Sales from post-Thanksgiving promotions could influence what the rest of the holiday shopping season looks like.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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Will retailers risk rolling back the generous return policies shoppers love?

by Savannah Maher
Nov 24, 2023
Free online returns and 60-day windows are popular but cost companies money. Some e-commerce players are experimenting with changes.
Some companies are trying to prevent costly returns by providing detailed product information and experimenting with virtual try-ons.
Emily Elconin/Getty Images
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In retail, it's all about "omnichannel" selling

by Elizabeth Trovall
Nov 23, 2023
It’s not in-store versus online — it’s in-store and online, and something in between.
"[Walmart's] in-store experience is really consistent. They have a lot of doors throughout the U.S. But they're also putting a lot of efforts into online Black Friday deals," said Brittany Steiger at Mintel.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Costs have been falling for retailers — some retailers, at least

by Justin Ho
Nov 16, 2023
While supply chain costs have fallen over the last year, some retailers are still facing wage pressure and inventory costs.
Walmart has tried to cut freight costs by expanding the size of its private fleet.
George Frey/Getty Images
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A New York City street vendor scrabbles and strives to make a living

by Mitchell Hartman
Nov 16, 2023
The Street Vendor Project estimates at least 20,000 vendors are operating in New York City, but there are permits for only about 6,000.
Vicente Veintimilla sets up his stall at the same place on the sidewalk every day near bus, subway and commuter train stops and Fordham University in the Bronx.
Amalia Silverheart/Marketplace
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