Kentucky Retail Federation

09/29/2026

🎃 Halloween isn’t just one night anymore. Shoppers are starting earlier, celebrating longer and finding new ways to stretch their budgets. What’s behind the shift? https://bit.ly/4rz9FyM

09/24/2026

With Christmas falling on a Friday this year for the first time since 2020, the calendar week leading up to the holiday is likely to see steady shopping activity.

That’s according to Sensormatic Solutions’ predictions for the 2025 holiday season’s busiest shopping days. The firm’s ShopperTrak Analytics traffic data reveals that Black Friday (Nov. 27) is predicted to again be the biggest day for holiday store visits, followed by Super Saturday (Dec. 19) and the second Saturday in December (Dec. 12). (A list of the 10 busiest shopping days is at end of article.)

With Christmas falling on a Friday this year for the first time since 2020, the calendar week leading up to the holiday is likely to see steady shopping activity.

09/22/2026

🎃 Halloween spending is expected to reach $13.5 billion this year, with consumers planning to spend an average of $115 on costumes, candy, decorations and more. https://bit.ly/4AsrGTx

09/18/2026

Consumers may be griping about higher prices at the pump and elsewhere, but they keep spending, helping to power the economy, according to the latest government snapshot. Retail sales rebounded at a better-than-expected 1.2% increase last month after recording a revised 0.5% dip in July, according to Commerce Department data released Wednesday. Economists were anticipating a 0.7% gain for the month, according to FactSet.

The strong spending report comes as the Federal Reserve is widely expected to lift its short-term interest rate Wednesday for the first time in three years to fight stubbornly high inflation.

09/16/2026

A new survey of small U.S. retailers shows they have a generally positive business outlook but are worried about some key issues.

A new survey of small U.S. retailers shows they have a generally positive business outlook but are worried about some key issues.

09/10/2026

U.S. holiday retail sales are expected to grow by as much as 4.8% this year, Deloitte said on ​Thursday, as rising disposable incomes help support spending in ‌the crucial shopping season despite consumers' continued focus on value.

U.S. holiday retail sales are expected to grow by as much as 4.8% this year, Deloitte said on ​Thursday, as rising disposable incomes help support spending in ‌the crucial shopping season despite consumers' continued focus on value.

09/09/2026

The average price of diesel fuel hit $5.85 per gallon on Friday, which is translating into higher costs for the transportation of groceries and other goods.

Price of $5.85 per gallon will drive higher transport costs for food and more

09/04/2026

Most consumers plan to take advantage of Labor Day weekend sales – but not for big ticket items. New survey data from coupon platform RetailMeNot reveals that while nearly three-quarters (73%) of consumers plan to show up to Labor Day sales, a large chunk of them (42%) are prioritizing groceries and essentials. Clothing and footwear (26%), seasonal clearance summer items (26%) and health and wellness products (21%) are also among the categories consumers plan to shop.

News Briefs Most recent Go to date 8/19/2026Survey: Labor Day sale shoppers to prioritize essentialsMost consumers plan to take advantage of Labor Day weekend sales – but not for big ticket items.New survey data from coupon platform RetailMeNot reveals that while nearly three-quarters (73%) of c...

09/01/2026

Consumers fear their purchasing power is eroding among high prices. Consumer sentiment dropped 6.3% month over month in August amid continued worries that inflation will remain elevated for the foreseeable future, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The August reading is down 11.2% year over year.

Consumers fear their purchasing power is eroding among high prices.

08/28/2026

Nearly every retailer will experience severe weather at some point.
Hurricanes and tornadoes often receive the most attention, but severe thunderstorms can be just as disruptive. While no one can predict when the next storm will occur, the condition of a building and the level of preparation are well within a retailer's control.

Nearly every retailer will experience severe weather at some point.