Checking Out Retail’s Year

This podcast episode explores the current state and future outlook of the consumer, retail industry, and various sectors. Experts discuss the challenges facing consumers, such as inflation and interest rate hikes, but express optimism about the long-term due to a strong economy and job market. They examine the issue of shrink in retail and its impact on consumer spending patterns, highlighting the potential misuse of shrink as an excuse for declining margins. The podcast also offers insights into the changing retail landscape, including the rise of showroom shopping and experiential consumption. The speakers analyze trends in home improvement and consumer electronics, noting a shift towards small-scale projects and a resurgence in low-end chip demand. They delve into the impact of working from home on consumer spending, predicting a decline as people return to the office. Finally, they explore the growing trend of athletic and technical brands and the resurgence of fast fashion.