415. Why retail remains stronger than headlines suggest

Retail sales remain strong, consumers are still spending and yet economic anxiety continues to dominate headlines. NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews joins Retail Gets Real to unpack the contradictions shaping today’s economy, from record-low consumer sentiment to resilient retail performance.

(00:00:00) Why consumers keep spending despite economic anxiety

(00:05:17) Why family spending stays strong during economic pressure

(00:07:03) What the K-shaped economy actually means

(00:09:15) How retailers are adapting to a new generation of consumers

(00:11:11) Why retail remains one of the most misunderstood industries

(00:15:23) What makes a great economist

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Resources:

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• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 387: Behind the data: Insights from NRF’s top economists

• 400: How retail navigated uncertainty and transformation in 2025

• 397: What’s driving holiday shopping in 2025