Retailers are being hit with increased costs from tariffs, labor costs and benefits and insurance. They absorbed a lot in 2025 but many will raise prices in 2026.
https://www.wsj.com/business/price-increases-consumers-businesses-b70e4542?mod=hp_lead_pos3
Wendy
Maybe because of increases in prices, demand will decrease and producers will be forced into “sales” (even including the service sector)? Maybe competitive pricing and/or downtrading will occur ? Relating to the last, we’re already seeing a spike in dollar store and Walmart buying v. more pricey retail.
It all doesn’t bode particularly well for the overall economy, but maybe we can forestall recession yet another year…
Pete