The Latest Breaking News from the National Retail Federation

While crime has risen slightly, the numbers don’t match up, William James said in a research note, citing “potentially ulterior, more opportunistic motives.”

Retailers are implementing new strategies to thwart thieves, such as locking up merchandise and limiting the number of customers. Companies say thefts are on the rise across the U.S.

An estimated $135 billion will be spent on back-to-school and back-to-college shopping in 2023, according to the National Retail Federation, representing the second-largest spending period of the year, behind only the holidays

This year’s back-to-school spending could reach an all-time high. A prediction from the National Retail Federation says nationwide spending could reach more than $41 billion dollars.