News

Father’s Day Spending to Total $22.4 Billion 
Father’s Day spending is expected to reach $22.4 billion this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This is the second highest figure in the survey’s history and on par with last year’s record of $22.9 billion.  Half of consumers plan to purchase a gift for a father or stepfather, followed by those purchasing gifts for a husband (26%), son (10%), brother (8%), friend (8%) or grandfather (6%). | More Information 

Consumers Remain ‘Willing to Spend’ Even as Growth Slows
Shoppers are still willing to buy even as smaller job and wage gains and high interest rates are slowing the growth of consumer spending, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. Kleinhenz’s comments came in the June issue of NRF’s Monthly Economic Review, which said gross domestic product is still expected to grow about 2.3% over 2023 but that employment is now expected to grow by an average 180,000 jobs a month, about 50,000 higher than expected this spring. Inflation as measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index should drop to about 2.2% by the end of the year, close to the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%. | More Information


Nikwax Launches Deodorizing Wash for Wetsuits
 Nikwax, the international leader in technical cleaners and waterproofing products for outdoor gear and apparel, has developed a high-powered deodorizing cleaner and conditioner to help extend the useful life of wetsuits and neoprene items. Offered in a 1-liter bottle, Wetsuit Refresh is now available in the US and Canada. Wetsuits are an investment piece, so caring for them is important to ensure they last as long as possible. Nikwax Wetsuit Refresh deodorizes and removes the build-up of salt, chlorine, body oils, urine, and other grime from wetsuits and neoprene items. In addition to contributing to odor build-up, all these contaminants have the potential to degrade the neoprene, causing it to wear out more quickly. By removing these contaminants, eliminating odors, and keeping neoprene soft and supple, Nikwax Wetsuit Refresh extends the lifetime of treated items. | More Information


ASA’s Fishing Share the Fun Campaign Aims to Spread Joy of Fishing Across Communities
With a mission to amplify the benefits of fishing and its positive impact on individuals and communities, this initiative encourages anglers and companies to share their passion for fishing by spreading the word across social media platforms and sharing tips for getting new folks on the water. At the heart of the campaign lies a simple yet powerful idea: sharing the excitement of fishing multiplies the enjoyment. By leveraging the collective reach of anglers worldwide, Fishing Share the Fun aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring more people to discover, or rediscover, the thrill of casting a line and reeling in unforgettable moments on the water with family and friends. | More Information 
 

Report: Camping Sentiment Up in 2024 Despite Inflation Concerns
RMS North America released its annual State of the Industry Report, suggesting that camping sentiment is up across the board despite ongoing concerns about inflation. The company, a provider of reservation and property management systems to the outdoor hospitality industry, said in a release that this year’s report examines all adult generations, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, and offers insight into how each group approaches camping differently. RMS North America conducted independent research on campers ages 18 to 60-plus, collecting data on the differences between generations, but also found similarities. While some thought the pandemic’s camping craze would dwindle, the demand for outdoor travel and recreation remains strong across the board. | More Information 

Consumers Expected to Spend Near-Record $33.5 Billion on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year, according to the annual consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is the second highest in the history of the survey, following last year’s record $35.7 billion. Eighty-four percent of U.S. adults are expected to celebrate the holiday. On average, those celebrating plan to spend $254.04 on Mother’s Day gifts and celebrations, the second highest per-person figure, following last year’s record $274.02 per person. The biggest spenders are expected to be those between the ages of 35 and 44, who are budgeting $345.75. | More Information 



Wiley X Expands Sales Team, Strengthens Commitment to Serving Retail Partners and Customers 
Wiley X, a global leader and pioneer in premium protective eyewear, is excited to announce it has restructured and expanded its sales team to enhance the brand’s relationships and support across retail partners and customers. Completed in unison with its recent brand refresh, Wiley X has expanded its sales team to add more than 100 representatives across the U.S. and has welcomed seasoned industry executive Aaron Quigley as its Senior Vice President of Sales. Quigley joins the brand with over 20 years of experience as a sales executive for companies such as Oakley, Stussy and VonZipper. | More Information 

NSSF Project Childsafe® Program Celebrates 25 Years, Announces $250,000  Fundraising Goal for Firearm Safety
This year marks the 25-year anniversary of Project ChildSafe®, the firearm safety and education program of NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. Since its inception, Project ChildSafe has raised awareness about safely handling and securely storing firearms when not in use, along with educating children about firearm safety. As part of recognizing this milestone, NSSF aims to raise $250,000 over the next year to provide more free gun locks and educational materials to gun owners across the country. | More Information

Nite Ize Celebrates 35 Years of Inventing Solutions to Lifes Daily Challenges 
Nite Ize®, a leading manufacturer of solution-based products, today marked its 35th anniversary, celebrating a journey of ingenuity, growth and commitment to ‘Inventing a Better Way’. Led by Founder and CEO Rick Case, Nite Ize has built a trusted reputation for inventing unique products solving life’s everyday problems, including the widely popular Gear Tie® Reusable Rubber Twist Tie™, S-Biner® Dual Carabiner and the Steelie® Magnetic Phone Mount. Innovation is the driving force behind Nite Ize, both in developing and protecting it. | More Information 


NSSF Lauches New Project Child Safe Website 
NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has re-launched ProjectChildSafe.org, a newly redesigned website with comprehensive educational materials and practical resources for gun owners on how to securely store firearms when not in use to prevent firearm accidents, suicides and thefts. The site has a new, modern look and enhanced site navigation, and will continue to serve as a comprehensive online resource hub for a variety of audiences looking for firearm safety educational materials. | More Information 

IHA: New Format, New Products Fueled Strong Exhibitor, Retailer Participation at Inspired Home Show 2024
The International Housewares Association reported nearly 30,000 home and housewares professionals from more than 120 countries convened at The Inspired Home Show 2024, which concluded its new three-day, two-hall format on March 19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The Show featured 1,648 exhibitors from 38 countries, according to IHA. “The 2024 Show built on the success of last year’s Show with total square feet of exhibition space being slightly higher,” said Derek Miller, IHA president and CEO. “The change to the format was very positive, making the Show incredibly efficient — moving between the three primary Expos, now consolidated into two halls rather than three, was very well received by both exhibitors and buyers,” | More Information 

2024 Easter Spending Expected to Top $22 Billion 
Consumer spending is expected to reach a total of $22.4 billion this Easter, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The total figure is the second highest in the survey’s history, after last year’s record-setting $24 billion when the holiday fell nine days later in the year. | More Information 

Census Data Shows Retail Sales Bounced Back in February
Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau today shows retail sales expanded in February after a strong but flat January, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in February were up 0.6% seasonally adjusted from January and up 1.5% unadjusted year over year. That compared with a 1.1% month-over-month decrease and no year-over-year change in January. | More Information

February CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Numbers Show Consumers Continued Spending in February
Retail sales continued to grow in February, building off solid gains from January, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released by the National Retail Federation. Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, were up 1.06% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 6.3% unadjusted year over year in February, according to the Retail Monitor. That compared with a decrease of 0.16% month over month and an increase of 2.34% year over year in January. | More Information

Import Cargo Returning to Normal After Red Sea Disruptions
With the supply chain adjusting to ongoing Houthi rebel attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports remains on track to show year-over-year increases through the first half of 2024, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. | More Information