Guest Contributors

Thrift stores are defying retail headwinds – and with higher-income and rural and suburban shoppers joining the mix, thrifting has gone mainstream. As tariffs loom, secondhand appears set to remain one of retail’s standout success stories.

America’s parks are experiencing rising visits and shifting usage patterns. People are coming more in spring, staying longer, and shifting their visits to weekends and later in the day. Park audiences are also evolving – including more middle-income households and families with children. These changes carry major implications for cities and communities.

Las Vegas visits were down in Q1/Q2 2025. The Strip saw the steepest declines. Meanwhile, the median HHI of visitors is rising - especially in the Strip – suggesting increased travel costs are deterring budget-conscious tourists. 

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale was longer than in previous years, but daily visits during the event were up compared to 2023 & 2024 – highlighting the brand value and positive consumer perception that the retailer has successfully cultivated in recent years.

Following the August 7th tariff implementation, manufacturing visits experienced a significant drop, indicating that businesses are working through stockpiled inventory. This suggests a period of reassessment and adjustment in supply chain strategies.

Bath & Body Works (BBWI) leveraged its semi-annual sale to drive visit growth despite economic headwinds.

Ulta (ULTA) drives Q2 2025 growth with new stores and a clear pivot away from Target. Discover how the brand's core business and customer base are set to fuel its next chapter.

Dollar Tree's strategic refocus is driving accelerating traffic growth in Q2 2025 while Dollar General's momentum has cooled. Geographic analysis reveals both chains operate in distinct regional strongholds, creating significant white space expansion opportunities rather than direct competition.