Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know
Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date.
We’re right in the heart of the holiday season now, and shoppers should know that this Wednesday is the deadline for FedEx Ground Economy to ship your packages before Christmas. So get those orders in, or you’ll be relying on costlier shipping options such as USPS Priority Mail Express.
Here’s what else is going on in retail this week:
In data releases: The consumer price index for November is dropping on Wednesday, and economists are expecting the rate to hold steady. The index ticked up 0.2% month over month in October for a 2.6% annual increase, which was in line with expectations. Related, US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell last week said the economy was running hotter than expected, which should allow the central bank to be more cautious with rate hikes, which it began earlier this year.
In earnings: The Q3 earnings season is wrapping up, but a couple of notable stragglers are scheduled to report this week, including Ollie’s Bargain Outlet on Tuesday and Costco on Thursday. Ollie’s has recently been expanding while other discounters have pulled back. In the fall, it purchased a number of former Big Lots locations, which were closed amid that chain’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As for Costco, it had a strong Q2, and reported a 5.6% increase in sales in November from the year before.
In investor conferences: Etsy executives participated in a fireside chat with Raymond James in New York City today. The platform recently made headlines when CEO Josh Silverman told CNN that the company rejects the “race to the bottom” in e-commerce that is creating a “sea of sameness.” Etsy has tried to distinguish itself from other online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Temu.
In press conferences: For those planning to attend CES 2025, the organization is hosting a virtual press conference featuring executives and insiders who will provide a preview of what they can expect from this year’s conference.