Illinois Retail Merchants Association

A new survey from Zip Co shows 40% of shoppers make their big purchases at midnight to take advantage of flash sales and exclusive deals. Chain Store Age breaks down the data and other key shopping trends below:

Artificial intelligence-based shopping technologies are expected to influence 19% of Cyber Week orders, according to Salesforce. Explore how AI is reshaping the shopping experience and driving sales via Chain Store Age:

Today, IRMA joined a coalition of restaurants, bars, retailers, alcohol suppliers and other business groups in Chicago to oppose the city’s proposed 34% tax hike on all alcoholic beverages. The proposed increase would make Chicago’s alcohol tax rate one of the highest in the nation, forcing small businesses to bear the burden and consumers to pay more at the checkout counter. “Increasing the liquor tax will add another financial burden for retailers of every size and sector who are already facing inflationary pressures, rising operational costs, and skyrocketing taxes,” said Michael K. Harris, Jr., IRMA’s manager of government relations. “Consumers will travel elsewhere to purchase liquor and inevitably spend more money in those communities. Neighborhood retailers from convenience stores to restaurants and taverns will lose critical sales and the city will lose that tax revenue. We urge city officials to carefully consider the far-reaching impact these tax hikes will have on Chicago’s businesses and residents, as well as the economic vitality of each of its neighborhoods.” Read the coalition's press release here: https://ow.ly/TjOw50UbgAq.

While 20% of consumers consider cranberry sauce a Thanksgiving essential, a new survey from 84.51?shows it's also the No. 1 most refused dish on the table. The Shelby Reportexamines the data and how consumers are planning to celebrate the holiday below:

At Southtown Health Foods, “Discover a Healthier Lifestyle” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a promise that the store has been making to its customers since 1946, when Emil Maher’s mother purchased the business as part of her own health journey. “Southtown Health Foods is more than just a store,” explained Emil, who left a career in education to take over the family business in 1978. “We’re a destination for those seeking to improve their health naturally.” This week, we’re excited to spotlight Southtown Health Foods in our “We Are Retail” campaign showcasing the retailers who make Illinois work. Located at 2100 W 95th St. in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, the family-owned store caters to a wide range of dietary needs, offering everything from vitamins and herbs to produce and meat alternatives. Not only are Emil, his wife, and their daughter, Katie Speh, the store’s general manager, passionate about healthy living themselves, but they take pride in sharing their knowledge with customers and providing a level of service that can’t be replicated online. Explore the Maher family’s inspiring journey and learn how their dedication to wellness and commitment to customer service has built a lasting legacy on Chicago’s South Side: https://lnkd.in/gUZmsrHx. #IRMAWeAreRetail

Consumer spending is expected to reach $125 billion during the five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, according to ICSC. Dive into the data and get more insight into consumers' holiday shopping plans via Chain Store Age:

Hewn Bakery is in the spotlight again! After being featured in our “We Are Retail” campaign last month, Hewn owners Ellen King and Julie Matthei shared their retail story with Crain's Chicago Business on “The Dining Table” podcast! In the recent episode, Ellen and Julie chat with host David Manilow about how they transformed Hewn from an underground bread club into one of Food & Wine’s Best Bakeries in America. They also discuss their biggest challenges in sourcing local ingredients and creating artisanal products. Tune into the episode ?? or on your favorite streaming platform, and don't forget to visit weareretail.irma.org to nominate your favorite independent retailer for possible inclusion in our "We Are Retail" campaign! #IRMAWeAreRetail

Zillennials — consumers born between 1991 and 1999 — are torn between price sensitivity and brand loyalty, according to PYMNTS. Examine how this cohort is reshaping the market with a blend of Millennial values and Gen Z’s tech-savviness:

Payment issues are the number one reason for consumers canceling their subscription service, according to a new survey from Solidgate. Dive into the data and explore how payment experiences can impact brand loyalty via Chain Store Age:

Gen Z is set to splurge this holiday season, with 28% planning to spend more than $1,000, according to a new survey from ShipStation. Check out how their shopping habits stack up against other generations in this Drug Store News article: