National Retail Federation

Tennessee’s sales tax holiday is drawing large crowds to Tanger Outlets as families shop for back-to-school items. The holiday, which lasts through Sunday, exempts sales tax on clothing under $100, school supplies under $100, and computers/tablets under $1,500, with retailers offering additional discounts.

Tennessee’s sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping runs from July 31 to August 2, offering tax-free purchases on clothing, school supplies, and computers. Eligible items include apparel priced at $100 or less, school supplies under $100, and computers/tablets under $1,500, with restrictions on sets and excluded items like jewelry or software. Walmart and other retailers are also offering sales to help families reduce costs.

A LendingTree survey found 30% of Americans admitted to shoplifting in the past year, citing inflation and economic struggles as primary reasons. The survey also revealed 52% of shoplifters were not caught, while retailers reported an 18% increase in shoplifting incidents in 2024 compared to 2023.

Parents are increasingly concerned about back-to-school costs, with 37% of shoppers worried about staying on budget, up from 29% last year. Despite planning to spend $557 per child (slightly less than $570 in 2025), families are adopting strategic shopping habits to stretch budgets, including prioritizing sales, tax-free events, and secondhand purchases. Surveys indicate 57% of parents expect worsening economic conditions in six months.

Michaels Stores expanded its party supplies and fabric offerings by capitalizing on the bankruptcies of Party City and JoAnn Fabrics. The company rapidly implemented new services and inventory, leveraging its private equity ownership under Apollo Global Management to bypass public market scrutiny and accelerate decision-making.

Retailers are using AI to detect return fraud, such as label swapping and wardrobing, as fraud rates rise to 9%. Companies like Happy Returns, Narvar, and Loop employ AI to analyze return patterns and automate fraud prevention, improving efficiency in reverse logistics.

Investigators in Illinois recovered $1.3 million worth of stolen data center supplies, including copper wire and infrastructure equipment, from a Chicago-area truck yard. The trailers had been reported stolen in Florida and Alabama, highlighting a growing trend of cargo thieves targeting data center construction materials.

Minnesota families are planning back-to-school shopping earlier due to rising prices and demand. National data shows families expect to spend an average of $922 this year, with 47% planning to spend more than last year. Parents are using AI tools for shopping and allowing children to influence purchases, while experts note increased costs driven by classroom technology and social pressures.

The retail trade added nearly 22,000 jobs in April, accounting for about one-fifth of total job growth, despite warning signs from consumers. This hiring spree indicates a positive trend in the retail industry. However, consumer behavior suggests potential caution.

Americans are expected to spend a record $38 billion on Mother's Day, despite 'momflation' pushing up costs of flowers, brunch, and gifts. Consumers are becoming more selective and strategic in their spending, seeking out promotions and lower-priced products. The National Retail Federation reports a significant increase in consumer spending for the holiday.

Cocoa prices have dropped significantly from 2024-2025 highs, but Easter chocolate prices remain elevated due to delayed price adjustments by manufacturers. Consumers are set to spend $24.9 billion on Easter 2026, with chocolate costing 14% more year-over-year despite lower cocoa costs.