Retail sales

Retail sales surprised with a 0.3% gain in May. Nearly every category advanced despite persistent concern about inflation.

Between the pandemic and its economic ripple effects, the consumer experience has been a wild ride.

When people buy new homes, they buy a lot of other things too, like furniture, appliances and electronics. When home buying slows, that can have a real ripple effect on other industries.

Opening new stores may be a way for some retailers to position themselves for both a downturn and a recovery.

Consumer sentiment's been up and down lately.

Some attribute it to pent-up demand. Others think the American consumer may have changed.

Annie Lang-Hartman, owner of Wild Lettie, just signed the lease on a new location, hoping to expand her product offerings.

Sales at restaurants and bars were up around 25 percent from last year. Part of that is likely due to pent-up demand.

Manufacturers and retailers have to decide what to make or stock now based on where they think the economy will be later.

Retail sales were up 3% in January from the month before, but some categories — like building supplies — were mostly flat.