Retailers are well-prepared for the upcoming holiday shopping season, as emphasized by National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay. Despite a brief strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, retailers began planning early, pulling cargo and staging inventory in warehouses. Current inventory levels are favorable, with a ratio of 1.1, returning to historic norms. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Macy’s report confidence in their stock levels, aided by operational changes and proactive measures against excess inventory. Additionally, the threat of new tariffs is prompting early goods movement to mitigate costs.

Source: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/retail-inventories-national-retail-federation-ceo/730363/