The macro economy is polarizing households at both ends of the income spectrum. Adjusting to this new world of Haves and Have Nots is key to creating value - and long-term success - in today's retail marketplace. Topics Key Indicators Topical Pulse Future Outlook Market Forecasts Key Indicators ARTICLE Holiday macro conditions report wrap-up 29 Jan 2021 By: Doug Hermanson Find out in this article how the macro environment shaped record growth in the fourth quarter holiday. ARTICLE September macro indicators: Retail, housing lead recovery 6 Nov 2020 By: Doug Hermanson With the holiday sales period already underway, we analyze the latest trends in spending plans, the job market, and the housing market. Followers: 821 BLOG POST September retail sales post record growth 16 Oct 2020 By: Doug Hermanson Key takeaways: Top-line sales grew at a record pace in September, fed by strong online and in-store growth. Spending at consumables-focused retailers improved, signaling that job gains are outweighing lower unemployment benefits. Home improvement and sporting goods remained the fastest-growing ... Followers: 821 BLOG POST August retail sales avoid slump after higher unemployment expires 18 Sep 2020 By: Doug Hermanson Key takeaways: Top-line sales grew strongly on a year-to-year basis even though it was flat month to month. August’s positive trend supports Kantar’s just-released holiday forecast for higher growth in the holiday fourth quarter relative to a year ago despite shoppers pointing ... ARTICLE July macro indicators: Policy change threatens momentum 27 Aug 2020 By: Doug Hermanson Many macro indicators strengthened in July, but the expiration of higher unemployment benefits could jeopardize further recovery. View All Topical Pulse Summary Slides 2020 US retail year in review 4 Jan 2021 By: Kantar Research Team. 42 Slides Kantar recaps the major macro, shopper, and retailer themes and developments that shaped a tumultuous year for the retail industry. Followers: 821 BLOG POST November retail sales: Staying home upends Black Friday 17 Dec 2020 By: Doug Hermanson Key takeaways: November top-line sales declined relative to October, but year-to-year growth held close to a record pace. Both trends indicate adjusting to staying home during the holiday had a bigger influence on retail spending and channel choice than traditional gift buying. Growth in ... Summary Slides COVID-19 economic patterns: Uncertainty and opportunity 9 Dec 2020 By: Doug Hermanson, Timothy Campbell. 37 Slides We survey how COVID-19 has affected shoppers’ spending ability, how different income segments are reacting to the pandemic, and more. Followers: 821 BLOG POST October retail sales: Even more sales shift online 21 Nov 2020 By: Doug Hermanson Key takeaways: Top-line sales were unchanged from the previous month, but growth from a year ago held close to the previous month’s record. Online growth likely set a monthly record based on the broader nonstore measure, partly at the expense of in-store sales. Online promotions that ... Summary Slides Recovery or relapse? Macro planning for an uncertain 2021 17 Nov 2020 By: Doug Hermanson. 21 Slides Explore good, bad, and ugly macro trends affecting Walmart shoppers plus forecasts and economic scenarios for the holiday and 2021. View All Future Outlook ARTICLE Holiday macro conditions report: First take 6 Jan 2021 By: Doug Hermanson Find out in this article if the latest macro indictors point to a strong or weak holiday for retail. Summary Slides The aftermath: COVID-19’s lasting macro effects 9 Dec 2020 By: Doug Hermanson. 24 Slides As the COVID-19 crisis passes, find out which parts of the retail economy will need to be rebuilt, torn down, or left behind. Summary Slides Commerce Now: The economy and channel choice going into 2021 3 Dec 2020 By: Doug Hermanson, Simon Johnstone, Todd Szahun. 26 Slides 2020 was a polarizing year for retail and 2021 promises to be a year of continued uncertainty. There are several macroeconomic and behavioral factors that will impact the trajectory of U.S. retail in 2021. Summary Slides 2020 US holiday macro outlook 2 Nov 2020 By: Doug Hermanson. 34 Slides Policy and the job market will influence the holiday outlook. Learn more about these topics and view Kantar’s forecasts in this deck. Summary Slides Recovery or relapse? Macro planning for an uncertain 2021 7 Oct 2020 By: Doug Hermanson. 26 Slides Explore the good, bad, and ugly macro trends affecting Target shoppers as well as forecasts for the holiday season and 2021. View All Market Forecasts Summary Slides Impact of COVID-19 on Canadian macroeconomic and shopper trends 24 Sep 2020 By: David Marcotte. 51 Slides As Canada recovers from COVID-19, review the major macro indicators and where brands and retailers can find near- and long-term growth. ARTICLE May macro indicators: The recovery starts the long road back 30 Jun 2020 By: Doug Hermanson Find out in this article which macro and consumer indicators have improved and what pitfalls lie ahead for the retail economy. Summary Slides Category forecasts to 2025 25 Jun 2020 By: Doug Hermanson. 21 Slides Social distancing and the economic downturn will have a pronounced effect on US category performance. Have a look in this summary slide deck. Summary Slides Canadian macroeconomic and retail sales overview 25 Mar 2020 By: Doug Hermanson, Ellie Pinto. 22 Slides Several market disruptions, including COVID-19, have recently erupted in Canada. Check out how these disruptions and other macroeconomic factors will influence Canadian retail. ARTICLE COVID-19 casts shadow over 2020 US retail forecast 11 Mar 2020 By: Doug Hermanson Kantar’s just-released 2020 macro channel forecasts provide valuable insights on the competitive retail environment. We detail the assumptions, results, and implications for retailers and suppliers in this article. View All