1. How US consumers are feeling, shopping, and spending—and what it means for companies: People in every age cohort and income group spent more of their money, but year-over-year spending growth was highest among millennials (17%) and high-income consumers (16%). – Read More on McKinsey
2. It’s Treasure-Hunt Season for Off-Price Retail: Off-price retailers are getting so many calls with offers of closeout inventory, but the selling environment doesn’t look so rosy right now, especially for discount chains with more exposure to cash-strapped consumers. – Read More on the WSJ
3. ‘Golden Arches’ come down near Moscow as McDonald’s Russia rebrand begins: The world’s largest burger chain is selling its restaurants in Russia to one of its local licensees, who will rebrand them under a new name that has yet to be announced. – Read More on Reuters
4. Retail Response to Recession Already Happening: With 70% of U.S. GDP derived from consumer and household spending, there’s really no reason to wait for trailing data to confirm what dozens of front-line reports from retailers have already implied. – Read More on PYMNTS
5. Are fashion “dupes” unethical? “I’d say dupes are a close relative of fakes but, crucially, they’re within the legal boundaries.” – Read More on the Guardian