Q3 2021 Experian Main Street Report

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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The better-than-expected September Jobs Report adds to the list of data that suggests the U.S. economy is heading for a soft landing. While challenges remain, the current backdrop is one of strong economic activity, a solid labor market, and a more accommodative Fed. Get North America Chief Economist Joseph Mayans’ charts and key takeaways on recent developments.

Explore Gen Z's habits and attitudes toward credit, personal finance, marketing, fraud and more.

Gen Z fast facts:

• There are 69.3 million Gen Z-ers in the United States.
• They spend six or more hours per day on their cell phones.
• They collectively demand purpose and accountability from brands they interact with.

They demand the creation of more opportunities for people of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Lack of financial resources and funding options are seen as barriers in achieving their goals.

Source: Statista, McKinsey & Company.

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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