When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
Surveys

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
Latest in Surveys

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.

Consumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Jewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.


From tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.

The index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

Black Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.

The National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

In its holiday report, PwC said the season will be more like jazz—improvisational and less predictable—than an easy-to-follow melody.

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
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