2015 Holiday Spending by Consumers expected to change drastically for retailers – Black Friday is Out, Store Pick up is in

Deloitte’s 30th annual holiday consumer spending survey of over 4,000 US consumers identify major changes to some shopping traditions. Key findings include: Shoppers are expected to spend $1,440 this holiday season, across gift purchases, socializing, non-gift clothing, and home/holiday furnishings. Nearly 70% of consumers plan to “webroom” by looking at items online first and then… Read more »

What is Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR)?

The CPFR Method CPFR is a business methodology which integrates multiple parties in the planning and fulfillment of customer demand. The idea behind CPFR is that by coordinating activities throughout the supply chain inventories can be moved more efficiently, in the correct quantities, to the correct inventory locations to meet customer demand.  CPFR establishes a… Read more »

National Retail Federation (NRF) Consumer Research Reports Consumers Plan Holiday Spending to be flat Compared to Last Year; Expect This to be biggest omnichannel holiday ever

An NRF survey of over 7,300 customers indicated that the average spending per person this year will be almost flat with last year, increasing to $806 this year versus $802 last year. This is the highest amount of spending in the survey’s 14 year history, but is still disappointing to retailers. “We continue to see… Read more »

2016 Retail Store Closings Planned

Macy’s announced it would be closing 35-40 underperforming brick and mortar retail stores in the 2016 calendar year, making room to open its discount stores. Other retailers also announced plans to close doors in 2016, including Office Depot, Walgreens, The Gap and Barnes & Noble. While retailers are usually reluctant to announce store closures because… Read more »

Shipping Rates Increase as Holiday Shopping Begins

Atlanta-based United Parcel Service announced rate increases to take effect on November 2, in time for holiday shopping. UPS will increase its fuel surcharges and will double its rates to deliver oversize items. Both UPS and FedEx are increasing rates and other charges about 5%. Separately, the US Postal Service is also asking regulators to… Read more »

US Spending Decreases to Lowest Point in 2015 in September

The US Spending Monitor decreased 3.8 points in September, reaching its lowest point in 2015 and the lowest point since August 2014. Retail spending index decreased to 3 points under the 12-month average. The decrease comes with increased negative views on the economy, spending and personal finances. Over 60% of respondents rated their personal finances… Read more »