Retail Roundup | November 2024
As a retail technology company obsessed with data, we at Tillerman are constantly looking at the trends and forecasts shaping the retail industry broadly. The start of 2022 continued to bring challenges with supply chain issues, inflation and of course Omicron having an impact, but there were bright spots as well. Heres a roundup of some of the retail stories that caught our eye this month.
As November wrapped up, retail sales and strategies offered a glimpse into the momentum building for Holiday 2024, with in-store shopping continuing to rise and mixed Q3 earnings shaping the industry’s outlook. Walmart reported strong momentum heading into December, with bold plans to "win" the holiday season. Nordstrom also exceeded forecasts, driven by robust sales in apparel and footwear. In contrast, Target missed Q3 expectations, sending shares sliding and leaving the retailer strategizing to recover during the critical holiday period.
Macy’s, in an unexpected turn, disclosed that an employee concealed up to $150 million in delivery expenses. The revelation prompted the company to issue abridged financial results instead of a full Q3 earnings report. The results showed declines in overall store and e-commerce performance but revealed growth in the 50 stores designated as part of Macy’s go-forward business model, suggesting a potential path to recovery. Macy’s is betting on a more curated product assortment and enhanced in-store service to reverse its fortunes.
In the fashion sector, trade concerns took center stage following Donald Trump’s election victory. Apparel makers expressed worries over proposed tariff increases under a second Trump administration, with the National Retail Federation warning that the strategy could cost U.S. consumers $78 billion. While Wall Street showed resilience, the fashion industry remained cautious about the potential economic impact of escalating trade tensions.
Retail Dive shed light on the ongoing struggle for brands to balance direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels and wholesale partnerships, a challenge becoming more pressing as the retail landscape evolves. On the entrepreneurial front, Bogg Bag founder Kim Vaccarella shared her journey of turning a personal need into a thriving business. Her practical, stylish bags have grown into a must-have accessory, offering a glimpse into the power of market-driven innovation.
Lastly, Target is aiming to reverse its Q3 struggles with immersive holiday store experiences designed to captivate shoppers. The highlight? A peppermint swirl path leading to the "Merry Cherry Chalet," an interactive holiday destination that underscores Target's commitment to delivering festive and memorable shopping moments. It’s a playful nod to the holiday spirit—and might just make you wish for a Christmas-gram!
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