Allie Falk

Economic growth withstood inflation, high interest rates, and other challenges in 2024 and is expected to continue showing strength in 2025, according to National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.

The research shows that total merchandise returns for the year reached $685 billion, representing 13.21% of total retail sales, which amounted to $5.19 trillion in 2024.

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A survey by LiveView Technologies reveals that parking lot safety concerns significantly influence shopping habits, with many consumers feeling unsafe in these areas during the holiday season.

Retail sales remained strong in November, with data from the US Census Bureau and NRF showing solid growth despite the late timing of Thanksgiving, supporting expectations for a successful holiday season.

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Interface Systems has released its 2024 State of Remote Video Monitoring in Retail Chains report. The detailed study analyzed over 2 million monitoring requests across 4,156 retail locations in the US from September 2023 to August 2024.

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The NRF still expects steady sales growth for the winter holiday season despite contradictions in the latest economic indicators, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.