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US retail sales increased less than expected in September, suggesting consumer fatigue amid higher prices, though the moderation was not enough to dampen economists' expectations for solid economic growth in the third quarter.The sales slowdown reported by the Commerce Department on Tuesday followed a long stretch of gains and marked a weak handoff to the fourth quarter. Economists said a sluggish labor market, characterised by an unemployment rate at a four-year high, was making consumers more selective about purchases."This data are mostly old news at this point, but a raft of high-frequency and survey indicators suggests that spending growth has slowed significantly in the fourth quarter so far," said Oliver Allen, senior economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics."The moribund labor market and ongoing drag on real incomes from tariff-induced price increases suggest that this slowdown is likely to be maintained."Retail sales rose 0.2% after an unrevised 0.6% gain in August, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau said. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast retail sales, which are mostly goods and are not adjusted for inflation, would rise 0.4%.Retail sales increased 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. The report, originally due in mid-October, was delayed by the 43-day shutdown of the U.S. government. Part of the increase in sales in September reflected higher prices, with receipts at service stations advancing 2.0%.Sales had accelerated in prior months, in part as consumers rushed to buy battery-powered electric motor vehicles before the expiration of EV tax credits at the end of September.Sales at auto dealerships fell 0.3% in September after rising 0.6% in August. Furniture store sales increased 0.6%, while receipts at building material and garden equipment retailers and suppliers gained 0.2%. But sales at clothing retailers fell 0.7% while those at electronics and appliance outlets decreased 0.5%. Online retail store sales dropped 0.7%. Consumers also cut back spending on hobbies and sporting goods.But they dined out and visited bars more. Sales at food services and drinking places, the only services component in the report, increased 0.7% after surging 1.0% in August. Economists view dining out as a key indicator of household finances.Retail sales excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services fell 0.1% in September after a downwardly revised 0.6% increase in August.These so-called core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of gross domestic product. They were previously reported to have advanced 0.7% in August.The dip in core retail sales did not change economists' expectations that consumer spending picked up in the third quarter. Spending, however, is being driven by higher-income households, with many middle-income and lower-income consumers burdened by rising costs, some of them stemming from tariffs on imports, creating what economists have called a K-shaped economy. Though job growth rebounded in September, the labor market is weakening, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.4% in September.Following the recent selloff in the stock market, some economists worry that high-income households could start scaling back spending and hamper economic growth. Prior to the retail sales data, the Atlanta Federal Reserve estimated gross domestic product increased at a 4.2% annualized rate in the third quarter. The government will release its third-quarter GDP estimate on December 23. The economy grew at a 3.8% pace in the second quarter, with a smaller trade deficit accounting for the bulk of the increase.A separate report from the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday showed the Producer Price Index for final demand increased 0.3% in September amid a jump in the cost of energy goods. That reading followed an unrevised 0.1% drop in August. The rebound was in line with economists' expectations.In the 12 months through September, the PPI increased 2.7% after advancing by the same margin in August.Producer goods prices surged 0.9%, the largest gain since February 2024, after climbing 0.2% in August. Energy goods, which accelerated 3.5%, accounted for two-thirds of the increase in goods prices.Wholesale services prices were unchanged after falling 0.3% in August, when trade margins were compressed. The decline in trade margins had suggested that wholesalers were absorbing some of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on imported goods.That move has largely resulted in moderate consumer prices, though the cost of some goods at the supermarket, including beef, coffee and bananas, has surged. Economists expect the pass-through from import duties will lift inflation in the months ahead. Several surveys, including the S&P Global PMIs, have shown US businesses continuing to pay higher prices for inputs as well as asking higher prices for their products in November. The government reported in October that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% in September after climbing 0.4% in August.Airline fares soared 4.0% in September while prices for hotel and motel rooms fell 0.4%. They were partially offset by a 1.2% decrease in portfolio management fees. These components go into the calculation of the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Indexes, the measures tracked by the Federal Reserve for its 2% inflation target.Economists estimated that the PCE price index, excluding food and energy, increased 0.2% in September after rising by the same margin in August. That would keep the annual increase in core PCE inflation at 2.9%. The odds of another interest rate cut from the US central bank in December have risen, despite concerns among some Fed officials about inflation.

US retail sales growth likely moderated a touch in September, capping an otherwise solid quarter of spending by consumers who are nonetheless frustrated by high prices and anxious about job security. Economists expect a 0.4% increase in sales after the 0.6% gain a month earlier, based on the Bloomberg survey median estimate. Delayed for more than a month by the government shutdown, the Census Bureau is scheduled to issue the figures Tuesday. Retail demand proved resilient over the summer, probably helping to fuel an acceleration in economic growth during the third quarter.At the same time, there’s a risk that consumer outlays will cool as many employers temper hiring. Moreover, discretionary spending is being supported mostly by upper-income shoppers enjoying the fruits of the year’s stock market rally. For those further down the income ladder, the higher cost of many staple items is taking a toll. The latest University of Michigan data show consumers have the dimmest views of their personal finances since 2009, and see the probability of losing their jobs at the highest in five years.In the retail space, companies including Walmart Inc and Gap Inc have reported strong quarterly sales as well as success in appealing to higher-income shoppers. Yet Home Depot Inc warned that many consumers are putting remodelling projects and big-ticket purchases on hold. Other key US data in the coming week include the producer price index and durable goods orders for September, as well as weekly jobless claims. Those reports come ahead of Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday, the biggest retailing day of the year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book on Wednesday, covering October and early November, is likely to highlight weakness in employment and activity. “Labour-market conditions bottomed during the summer, then improved gradually until the government shutdown began — which led to some renewed weakness in spending and hiring.Firms are mostly seeking ways to cut costs by adopting technology and trimming hiring. Altogether, we believe the Fed can and probably should cut rates in December to sustain the fragile recovery that began during the summer,” say Anna Wong, Stuart Paul, Eliza Winger, Estelle Ou, Chris G Collins, Troy Durie and Alex at Bloomberg.Canada will release gross domestic product data on Friday. It likely grew slightly in the third quarter after contracting between April and June as US tariffs crushed exports. The Bank of Canada expects 0.5% expansion on an annualised basis, and has said it believes rates are at “about the right level” as long as the economy and inflation evolve in line with its forecasts. Traders in overnight swaps currently see just a slim, 3% chance of a rate cut at the central bank’s December 10 meeting. Still, the GDP report is expected to show a sluggish economy with a manufacturing sector hit hard by the US trade war. Elsewhere, the long-awaited UK budget and inflation readings from Australia to Germany to Mexico will draw attention.Central bankers in New Zealand, Israel and Nigeria are likely to cut interest rates, while South Korea is expected to hold. Asia’s final week of November brings a dense run of price data and rate decisions that will shape how policymakers close the year. The week begins with Singapore’s October CPI, with economists predicting an acceleration in prices, while Taiwan follows with its unemployment rate. Tomorrow, South Korea releases consumer confidence, Japan has department-store sales, and Taiwan reports industrial production for October.The data will give a sense of how consumption and external demand are holding up across North Asia. Attention shifts mid-week to Australia and New Zealand. Australia’s October CPI will show whether price pressures remain elevated enough for the Reserve Bank to stay on an extended hold. Third-quarter construction data, due the same day, will highlight the impact of lower borrowing costs on the building pipeline. In Wellington, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to lower borrowing costs again to bring its official cash rate to 2.25%, a near 3-1/2 year low.Singapore’s industrial production figures and the Philippines’ budget balance are also on the calendar. Attention turns to Seoul on Thursday, where the Bank of Korea is set to leave rates unchanged at 2.5%. The same day, New Zealand reports third-quarter retail sales and ANZ business surveys, key to measuring how easier monetary conditions are feeding through to households and firms. The week concludes with a data-heavy Friday.Japan’s Tokyo CPI, labour-market data, retail sales and industrial production will offer a comprehensive snapshot of how households and manufacturers are coping with tighter monetary settings and a weaker yen. South Korea’s industrial production and the Philippines’ trade balance are also on tap. Taiwan posts preliminary third-quarter GDP and India closes the week with its third-quarter growth print ahead of a long-awaited trade pact with the US. Public finances will dominate the headlines in Europe. Most prominent will be the UK, where Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers a budget after weeks of speculation that have roiled financial markets and — according to survey data — unsettled business sentiment.Reeves needs to find as much as £30bn ($39bn) in extra funds to restore stability to the public finances. Having floated the prospect of income tax increases that would have broken pre-election promises, she dialled back on that and is now likely to take other steps to achieve her goal. The UK government said over the weekend that it will freeze rail fares in the upcoming budget. It also will increase subsidies for electric vehicles as it seeks to mitigate a tax rise that’s expected to target the cars, according to a spokesperson.

Doha Festival City released The Festival Edits: Qatar’s Retail Trends Report 2025, the first-of-its-kind, data-driven study providing insights into the evolving fashion, beauty, and retail landscape in Qatar, yesterday during a ceremony at Raffles Doha.**media[383896]**The report says that shopping remains the top reason for visits to Doha Festival City (46%), followed by dining (40%) and leisure/entertainment activities such as cinema, fitness, and events (30%). It also notes that among the Gen Z Qatari females, 40% prioritise makeup, followed by 25% fragrance, and 20% skincare as top beauty spends.The study revealed that Millennials and Gen Z are a significant part of the shopper base, drawn to streetwear, beauty, modest fashion, and jewellery. Younger visitors integrate malls into weekly life, visiting 1-2 times per week for around 2.7 hours, while Qatari nationals are particularly likely to engage in leisure activities such as cinema and events.The report also highlighted that AI in GCC retail is projected to grow from $5bn in 2023 to $31bn by 2028, with 97% of retailers increasing investment. Developed with research collaborators, cultural institutions, Ipsos data, and industry experts, the report blends quantitative survey data, qualitative analysis, and expert commentary to illuminate shifting consumer behaviour, market trends, and lifestyle priorities.The insights are from the Doha Festival City 2025 Consumer Survey, conducted both online with 2,010 responses and on-ground with 129 responses. Participants shared their shopping priorities, revealing how malls are increasingly becoming social, cultural, and community-focused spaces.Fashion trends include modest-meets-contemporary for 22% of Gen Z females, streetwear for 34% of shoppers, premium perfumery for 32%, and modest fashion for 28%. Among male shoppers, 32% prioritise high-end fragrances. Monthly fashion and beauty spend ranges from QR500-QR2,500 for the majority, reflecting a commitment to style as a lifestyle choice. Ambience, personalisation, and events outweigh convenience for half of shoppers, emphasising the experiential dimension of Doha Festival City.The report also highlights the future of retail in Qatar, including tech-driven innovations.“Malls have become venues for connection and curation as much as commerce. Festival Edits captures the spirit of this transformation, offering a credible, data-backed perspective on what defines style, innovation, and community in Qatar today – from perfume and makeup lovers to streetwear enthusiasts and esports audiences,” said, Mohamed ElSharkawy, associate director-Malls Leasing, Doha Festival City.There was also a panel fireside chat moderated by Areej Mohammed, and panellists including Hayssam Hajjar, executive director, Malls, Al-Futtaim Real Estate; Joseph Ibrahim, managing director, country management of Chalhoub Group; Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, director of Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, Esquire Qatar; and AlFtoon al-Janahi, content creator and entrepreneur.**media[383898]**The Festival Edits is informed by perspectives from leaders shaping Qatar’s fashion, beauty, and retail landscape. Featured voices include Sheikh Khalifa al-Thani (Intajat); Ahmed al-Meghessib (Qatar Esports Federation, Ukiyo); Bianca Brigitte Bonomi; Waad Ali (Waad Designs); Prakash Maroli (Ideas Unlimited); Stuart Henwood (New Balance); Michael Collins (Harvey Nichols Doha); Mariam Khairallah (MAC Cosmetics); Sara al-Rashid (Asteri Beauty); Atef Hassan (Jovoy Rare Perfumes); Erwin Creed (Creed); Michael Moles (Doha Festival City); AlFtoon al-Janahi; Shireen Obeidat (Earthna); Gills Manjulakshmi; Rumana Nazim (The Edit); Timothy Hufford (Elan Media); John P. Joseph (Blue Rhine Industries); and Dany Karam (Al-Futtaim Blue).

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC), Qatar's leading logistics and supply chain provider, and QC+, the Qatari strategy group that develops new pathways for value across hospitality, retail, tourism, and the wider cultural economy, have announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art hub in the Gulf Region for fine art storage and handling.Located in a designated free zone in Doha, the facility will meet rising regional demand for art storage and logistics while contributing to Qatar's 2030 National Vision by expanding high-value economic activity in the creative and cultural industries.Acting Group CEO of GWC Matthew Kearns, said: "With over 15 years of experience in fine art logistics and as the first Middle East-based company accredited by ICEFAT, GWC brings proven expertise to this partnership. Combined with Qatar's vision for cultural and economic diversification, this project represents a new benchmark for integrated art infrastructure and creative economy growth in the region."CEO of QC+ Kirstin Mearns, said: "The Gulf is no longer an emerging market for art. It is a global player, as demonstrated by the announcement of Art Basel Qatar. QC+ and GWC will use our combined expertise to provide innovative and industry-leading fine art logistics solutions. This collaboration reinforces Qatar's position as a global centre for culture and creativity, and for the commercial infrastructure that supports both."The Doha facility will provide museum-grade preservation, secure storage, and professional care for artworks and cultural assets, supported by a conservation laboratory, private and shared storage spaces, viewing rooms, and custom-bonded areas for art logistics and handling.It will also include learning and collaboration zones designed to advance local expertise in art preservation and management. The facility will also benefit from its proximity to Hamad International Airport, a major international transit hub and one of the largest airports in the region, designed to handle a high volume of passenger traffic and cargo from around the world.The project aligns with Qatar's growing role as host to major cultural events, including Art Basel Qatar in February 2026, and will further connect Qatar's creative economy with the world.