Retail
Stay on top of the latest foot traffic trends and data-driven retail insights for everything from grocery stores to shopping centers to specialty brands. Follow industry news and success stories in the world of retail.
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The Post-JOANN Arts & Crafts Retail Landscape
JOANN and Party City closed, but not due to low demand. Their smaller size may have affected competition with giants like Michaels, which saw its traffic surge post-JOANN closure. Smaller Blick thrived in a premium niche, avoiding mass-market price competition. The craft market now favors extreme scale or defined premium niches
In-Store Retail Media Networks in 2025
Retail media networks are transforming advertising, leveraging physical stores. Offline traffic often dominates. Understanding regional variations and combining online/offline data is crucial for optimizing campaigns and competing effectively in the ad space.
Service Shift Pays Visit Dividends for Staples
Staples defied retail challenges and store closures by pivoting to services and B2B solutions. Overall visits in Q2 2025 exceeded 2019 levels, and average visits per location significantly increased. This strategic shift has also led to more frequent customer visits.
June Industrial Manufacturing Update: A Tale of Two Economies in Mid-2025
The US economy shows a split. Retail visits rebounded in May-June, driven by value and promotions, after a slow start. This consumer resilience contrasts with a slowdown in manufacturing and port activity since May, as businesses brace for potential tariff volatility in H2 2025.
Big Lots: Back in the Bargain Game
Big Lots' relaunch leverages deep discounts and a treasure-hunt model. Reopened stores attract shoppers, drawing a higher-income demographic. This strategy positions the brand for growth by appealing to value-seeking customers.
Do Exclusive Offers and Product Scarcity Still Move the Needle for Retail?
Limited-edition product launches powerfully drive retail traffic. Trader Joe's Mini Totes and Target's Kate Spade launch show how manufactured scarcity and non-price incentives engage diverse consumers, proving their enduring power in today's market.
Target's Back to School Comeback Window
Target's visits slowed post-mid-2022. August's seasonal strength offers a comeback chance. Its August audience includes families, singles, and students. Target can leverage diverse offerings and in-store experiences to drive loyalty and year-round traffic.
Much Ado About Store Size
Retailers are finding diverse paths to success in 2025. Smaller formats, like Sprouts' compact stores and Kohl's scaled-down concepts, drive visits by reaching new audiences and offering convenience. Conversely, giant experiential stores like Buc-ee's and Scheels also thrive by becoming destinations. Creative use of physical space is key to engaging shoppers.
Discount & Dollar Stores Emerge as a Front Runner in 2025
Discount & dollar chains, despite a slow 2024, are poised for renewal in 2025, outperforming other non-discretionary sectors. Top performers like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Five Below are seeing increased loyalty, driven by expanded assortments. These chains are primed to serve value-seeking consumers amidst continued economic uncertainty.
