News

What will retail look like in five years? Top industry executives share their predictions

Illustration by Christina LocopoRetail has seen unprecedented upheaval over the last several years.Some of the industry's key decision-makers expect even more evolution ahead.Covid-related shocks have upended retail, after clogged ports and merchandise shortages gave way to excess inventory levels and shifting consumer demands amid persistent inflation. Those disruptions accelerated transformations in...

Economy

Retail sales tumbled 0.8% in January, much more than expected

Consumer spending fell sharply in January, presenting a potential early danger sign for the economy, the Commerce Department reported Thursday.Advance retail sales declined 0.8% for the month following a downwardly revised 0.4% gain in December, according to the Census Bureau. A decrease had been expected: Economists surveyed by Dow Jones...