Kentucky Retail Federation

10/14/2025

Tariffs and economic uncertainty are complicating an already fraught time. The key is to prioritize and lean into what larger chains can’t offer.

Tariffs and economic uncertainty are complicating an already fraught time. The key is to prioritize and lean into what larger chains can’t offer.

10/09/2025

September spending slowed but year-to-year growth is "robust" as retailers look toward the holidays.

CNBC’s Steve Liesman joins ‘Squawk Box’ to break down the latest results from the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions. https://cnb.cx/4h3NV9g

10/07/2025

KRF talks about Halloween shopping.

Halloween shoppers are spending more despite tariff concerns.

09/26/2025

Halloween spending increasing in 2025

Nearly half of consumers began Halloween shopping early, with candy, costumes, and decorations leading spending, NRF says.

09/24/2025

Challenger, Gray & Christmas predicts that retailers will bring on fewer than 500,000 employees in Q4, a low last seen following the 2008 financial crisis.

Challenger, Gray & Christmas predicts that retailers will bring on fewer than 500,000 employees in Q4, a low last seen following the 2008 financial crisis.

09/17/2025

Last week, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Kentucky Proud program hosted an Expo at Evans Orchard in Georgetown bringing together makers of Kentucky Proud products and retailers to discuss marketing products in stores. Kentucky Retail Federation members were on hand to learn more about Kentucky Proud products they could sell in their stores.

09/11/2025

Following a near-record peak this summer, import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to steadily decline for the remainder of the year amid rising tariffs, according to the Global Port Tracker report .
https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/imports-declining-following-summer-surge-ahead-of-tariffs

09/09/2025

MPC highlighted a report by payments consulting firm CMSPI showing “swipe” fees big banks and card networks charge merchants to process credit and debit card transactions totaled over $236 billion last year, more than 25% higher than other estimates.

09/04/2025

Cost concerns will be front and center this holiday season as many shoppers — particularly those belonging to Gen Z — pull back their spending amid economic uncertainty and rising prices.

Cost concerns will be front and center this holiday season as many shoppers — particularly those belonging to Gen Z — pull back their spending amid economic uncertainty and rising prices.

09/03/2025

Kentucky Retail Federation member The Home Depot was recognized at the Supporting Our Appalachian Region Summit for their response during the natural disasters earlier this year in eastern Kentucky. Bowling Green Store #2318 Assistant Manager Braxton Price (right) received the recognition and is pictured with Garry Conley with Operation Appalachia Strong.

08/21/2025

Consumer sentiment fell back in August as Americans grew increasingly worried about inflation, both on a short -and long-term basis.

Consumer sentiment fell back in August as Americans grew increasingly worried about inflation, both on a short -and long-term basis.

08/20/2025

Don't forget to register for this year's Next Gen!

Registration for the 3rd Annual Retail NextGen Student Leadership Conference is OPEN!

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/retail-next-gen-2025-tickets-1578642635619

If you’re interested in networking with other schools who have school-based enterprises, this is your chance. Your students will enjoy engaging sessions, employer connections, free swag, and a unique opportunity to engage with Kentucky’s retail leaders. Our conference sponsor, the Kentucky Retail Institute, has an exciting day planed. Register today!