Retail Categories

Which categories performed best in 2022—and which struggled? Inflation drove consumers to spend more on essentials like groceries, at the expense of discretionary categories.

Which categories will perform well in 2023—and which will stumble? Some of this year’s trends will continue into next year, while changing consumer behaviors will drive others’ rise—and possible fall.

Everyone knows the expression “like a kid on Christmas morning.” But what if we told you that it’s not just children who are hoping for the season’s hottest toys?

After experiencing a boom during the pandemic, the subscription frenzy has begun to fade as consumers grow weary of the Stitch Fixes and Blue Aprons of the world. Has the category lost its way? Or is there hope on the horizon? Let’s take a look.

The retailer’s reported plans to launch its own BNPL product through its fintech, ONE, could help boost customer spending.

We’re knee-deep into the holiday season, and it’s shaping up to be a busy one. The star so far: deals, deals, deals.

TikTok. BeReal. Gen Z. Authenticity. That might seem like a grab bag of buzzwords, but it’s the marketing strategy behind clothing retail American Eagle Outfitters.

In a year of shrinking margins and pulled-back consumer spending, luxury sales have remained relatively immune to the headwinds plaguing other retailers. Here are five charts that break down why the bubble hasn’t burst yet.

On today's episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss what kind of a holiday season we are expecting, how shopping behaviors are changing, and how retailers and brands can win over consumers. Then for "Pop-Up Rankings," we rank the top four holiday ads you need to watch. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Andrew Lipsman and Carina Perkins.

On today's episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss the total market for US retail social commerce sales, whether Instagram is in trouble when it comes to social commerce, and what kind of a threat TikTok poses. Then for "Red-Hot Retail," our analysts give us four of their very specific—and potentially risky—predictions about the future of TikTok’s US retail strategy. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Sky Canaves and Jasmine Enberg.

Insider Intelligence spoke with Randy Goldberg, co-founder and chief brand officer of Bombas, a certified B corporation., about communicating authenticity to customers.

Just 14% of US adults regularly use cashierless checkout, like mobile scan-and-go and just-walk-out technologies. That figure is higher among 18- to 34-year-olds, at 21%, while only 6% of 55- to 65-year-olds use the tech routinely.

Consumers say sustainability is important and want to support sustainable brands, but when it comes time to buy, price often trumps other considerations.

Thanksgiving food costs are expected to soar 13.5% this year: Walmart, Aldi, and Lidl aim to use discounts on turkey, stuffing mix, and other holiday ingredients to attract new customers.

In a year plagued with rising prices and supply chain constraints, many retailers are hoping the holiday season will signal a return to normal. But according to Adobe, that may not be the case.

China’s COVID strategy continues to hurt retail sales: Estée Lauder and Canada Goose are among the high-end brands pointing to China’s policy as a reason they’re lowering their outlooks.

The store-within-a-store’ concept gains momentum: The partnerships work well when there’s clear synergy between the brands involved, such as Target and Apple.

Shein embraces resale: But allowing US shoppers to buy and sell previously owned items will do little to counter serious critiques of the company’s labor practices and environmental policies.

Inflation drives high-income consumers to trade down—and up: Affluent shoppers are spending more at Walmart and Aldi, but a strong dollar is keeping luxury demand robust.

Last week, Goodwill launched GoodwillFinds, an ecommerce platform for thrifters across the US.