This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of retail strategies while deep within the 2025 holiday season. It highlights the cautious, deal-driven consumer behavior shaped by economic pressures, particularly among middle-income groups. The discussion covers insights from foot traffic data, the performance of various retail categories, and the changing role of malls as community centers. Additionally, it explores the rise of off-price retailers and the impact of health and wellness trends on consumer purchases. The conversation concludes with predictions for retail trends in 2026, emphasizing the need for retailers to innovate and adapt to shifting consumer demands.

Panelists:
R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research, Placer.ai
Kyle Halls, Director of Community Engagement, CREtech
Michael Beckerman, CEO, CREtech

Takeaways:
- Understanding traffic patterns is essential for retail strategy.
- The cautious, deal-driven consumer is shaping retail performance.
- There is a clear bifurcation in consumer spending across income groups.
- Middle-income consumers are feeling the most pressure and changing behavior.
- Retailers need to innovate at lower price points to attract consumers.
- Health and wellness trends are influencing consumer purchases.
- Off-price retailers are thriving in the current market.
- Black Friday saw a focus on smaller ticket items.
- Malls are evolving into community centers rather than just shopping destinations.
- The competition for the mid-market segment is intensifying.

Sound Bites:
- "Off-price retailers are thriving in the current market."
- "Black Friday saw a focus on smaller ticket items."
- "The competition for the mid-market segment is intensifying."

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