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Early Halloween shopping is on the rise, with 47% of survey participants beginning their shopping before October, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from 37% five years ago and compares with just 32% in 2014.

Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows retail sales continued to grow in August, fueled by rising wages amid falling inflation, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

The National Retail Federation and Paris-based event organizer Comexposium announced that the Paris Retail Week annual conference and exhibition is being rebranded beginning in 2025. The inaugural NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe will be held Sept. 16 – 18, 2025, at the Paris Porte de Versailles Pavilions 4 & 6. It is expected to draw thousands of retailers and business partners from across Europe.

The NRF Foundation announced the honorees of The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2025. This remarkable group of retail leaders will be celebrated at the 10th annual NRF Foundation Honors in New York City in January.

Retail sales increased again in August as consumer demand and easing inflation overcame slower job growth, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released NRF.

NRF announced that Jill Dvorak has returned to the organization as the senior vice president of content.

The National Retail Federation announced that Tommy Hilfiger, founder of his namesake brand, will receive The Visionary award. Hilfiger will be recognized at the 10th annual NRF Foundation Honors on Jan. 12, 2025, in New York City.

The nation’s major container ports are expected to see another busy month in September ahead of a potential labor strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by NRF and Hackett Associates.

With the economy slowing but still growing and inflation down as the Federal Reserve prepares to lower interest rates, the United States appears to have dodged a recession, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

NRF released the following statement from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay following concerns of a potential labor strike at U.S. ports on the East and Gulf Coasts. The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance have until Sept. 30 to reach a new contract.