Retail shipments slow in North America
Retail segments across the board have experienced a slowdown in shipments in November and December this year, during which volumes contracted considerably year on year
Data suggests inflation-stricken consumers were exercising extra caution when entering the holiday season. But some expect the Christmas and the subsequent New Year holidays to generate additional spending thrust as retailers give away more margins to clear out inventories. That might lead to an earlier-than-predicted start of inventory replenishment cycles