8 Easy Steps to Report to Experian

As we head into the holiday season, Experian’s latest Commercial Pulse Report reveals significant trends shaping the retail sector:

🔹 25% increase in credit demand among retail businesses, as companies boost inventory for expected holiday sales.

🔹 Discretionary retail sectors like home goods face tighter lending, while Consumer Electronics and Department Stores are nearing pre-pandemic credit levels.

🔹 Retail delinquency rates and charge-offs are rising, putting pressure on commercial credit scores.

These insights highlight both opportunities and challenges for retailers navigating today’s economy. Check out the full report to see how these trends could impact your strategy!

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As the U.S. economy cools, small businesses face the dual pressures of year-end operations and the holiday season. Consumer spending has exceeded expectations, driven by savings depletion and increased reliance on credit, particularly among Gen Z—a trend raising concerns about long-term credit health. However, rising costs for essential expenses are beginning to constrain spending power, alongside slowing consumer sentiment ahead of an election cycle marked by uncertainty. Despite these challenges, small businesses are preparing for the holidays with optimism, building inventories to capture year-end growth. Credit markets remain accessible, with looser lending criteria offering a supportive backdrop. As the economy aims for a soft landing, small businesses have a chance to close the year on a positive note.

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U.S. small businesses are navigating a mixed economic climate in 2024, balancing optimism with persistent challenges. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index reflects growing confidence, rising to 69.5, with 73% of businesses anticipating higher revenues and 46% planning increased investments. However, inflation remains a pressing concern for 55% of businesses, compounded by worker shortages, rising insurance costs, and wage pressures. Despite these obstacles, stable cash flows and increasing adoption of AI for efficiency and cost reduction offer hope. To sustain growth, businesses must prioritize operational efficiency and secure affordable funding to weather the economic heat.

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The U.S. small business sector faces a pivotal moment as it reflects on a year marked by economic resilience and cautious optimism. Despite widespread fears of a recession in 2023, consumer spending held steady, even amid rising costs. Business owners managed to navigate inflationary pressures, surprising themselves with customer willingness to adapt to price increases. Looking ahead to 2024, the economic outlook remains strong, but persistent inflation and uncertain lending conditions pose challenges. For small business owners contemplating growth, the question remains: is the economic landscape stable enough to transform plans into action? This edition explores the opportunities and uncertainties facing small businesses as they weigh expansion against ongoing market volatility.

Subscribe to this quarterly report here or follow our full suite of quarterly insights on our Commercial Insights Hub.