National Retail Federation (NRF)

According to the most recent National Retail Security Survey, retail shrinkage averaged 1.52 percent in 2008, an increase from 1.44 percent in 2007, and total retail losses grew to $36.5 billion.

The retail trade group testified before Congress that although the rebate checks had a positive effect on spending, the economy could use more of the same.

It's all over the news: soaring gasoline prices that have doubled over the last year, a by-product of sharply increased energy prices that also are driving up food prices at retail.

Environmentalists, consumer groups, and economists are also among those citing the wide-ranging consequences of current U.S. polic

The rising cost of everyday items like milk, bread, and rice means that more consumers plan to spend their government rebate checks on groceries, with 21.2 million people using a portion of the check for food, up from 20.4 million people in February.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Retail sales last month indicated that consumers were focused on buying necessities more than discretionary items, the National Retail Federation said yesterday. The trade group said retail industry sales for January (excluding automobile, gas station, and restaurant sales) rose 2.0 percent unadjusted over last year, and 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted from December.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The European Commission yesterday delivered an "early Christmas present to consumers," as the Food Marketing Institute put it, in a ruling that abolishes MasterCard credit and debit card interchange fees. The National Grocers Association and National Retail Federation were among the other trade groups that hailed the decision.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The European Commission yesterday delivered an "early Christmas present to consumers," as the Food Marketing Institute put it, in a ruling that abolishes MasterCard credit and debit card interchange fees. The National Grocers Association and National Retail Federation were among the other trade groups that hailed the decision.