National Retail Federation (NRF)

NRF data reveals how consumers plan to manage higher prices September 29, 2026 NRF’s 2026 Halloween survey found consumers plan to spend an average of $115.14 per person this year — $13.5 billion in total — even as 79% expect tariffs to push prices higher. Fall is here, which means cozy sweaters, warm beverages and, of course, Halloween. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2026 Halloween Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, which surveyed 7,889 U.S. consumers between Sept.

For immediate release September 25, 2026 “Supported by low unemployment and steady wage gains, households remained budget-conscious but took full advantage of back-to-school promotions to stretch their dollars." Editor’s Note: September represents a transition month for the Retail Monitor. Total and core retail sales are reported only for the August period while a transition to a new methodology is completed. WASHINGTON, Sept.

Check out NRF's Halloween headquarters for more insights on how consumers are celebrating, shopping and spending this Halloween. Halloween is no longer just one spooky night in October. NRF vice president of industry and consumer insights Allison Zeller joins Retail Gets Real to unpack the latest Halloween data, from consumer spending and earlier shopping to costumes, candy and how economic concerns are shaping the season.

From practical AI to connected stores and relationship-driven loyalty, the conversations in Paris showed how retailers are turning “The Next Now” into action September 23, 2026 From left: Transformational Retail Group CEO Nir Manor speaks with Żabka Group Chief Strategy & Development Officer (Incoming CEO Group) Tomasz Blicharski at Retail's Big Show Europe.

For immediate release September 22, 2026 “This year, we are proud to expand the program as we welcome our 2027 class: A distinguished group whose insight and influence extends across the global retail ecosystem.” NEW YORK – Today, in partnership with RETHINK Retail, the National Retail Federation debuts the 2027 class of Retail Voices by NRF, an exclusive community of standout thought leaders whose experience and insights advance the global retail industry.

For immediate release September 22, 2026 "Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind." WASHINGTON – Consumer spending on Halloween is expected to reach $13.5 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.

Key takeaways National Retail Federation interviews with small retailers show that supplier costs, tariffs, freight expenses and customer demand all influence the prices consumers see at checkout. Small retailers report that rising shipping costs and tariff uncertainty are making it harder to keep prices affordable while maintaining already thin margins. Many customers continue to shop but are spending less per visit as household budgets face pressure from essential expenses.

For immediate release September 17, 2026 “Initiatives like the National Organized Retail Crime Blitz demonstrate what is possible when retailers and law enforcement come together toward a common goal." WASHINGTON – The results of the second National Organized Retail Crime Blitz were announced today by the National Retail Federation, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force and the Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Association.

For immediate release September 16, 2026 “The NextNav proposal would impose significant costs on businesses that have already invested billions in these systems, with consequences that could ultimately be felt by consumers.” WASHINGTON – Today, a broad coalition of American industries launched the SpecTech Alliance to protect an array of consumer, industrial, and governmental services currently under threat from wide scale interference.

Retail Economic Perspective: Essential services consume a growing share of household spending September 16, 2026 Retailer Bottom Line: Most of the everyday higher prices we pay as consumers are driven by the services side of the economy. Over the past 30 years, prices for services like healthcare and financial services have risen by more than four times the price of goods. Meanwhile, competition and transparent pricing have kept the prices of goods in check.