Kentucky Retail Federation

06/18/2026

Fake online reviews are a persistent problem for small businesses.

The majority (72%) of U.S. local business owners have received a fake review in the past 12 months, according to a new survey from online reputation management platform LocalImpact.

Fake online reviews are a persistent problem for small businesses.

06/16/2026

Consumer sentiment rose 9% this month after a four-month slump as the average price of gasoline declined from highs it reached earlier in the war with Iran, the University of Michigan reported.

Consumers are “still seeing a lot of risks on the horizon,” according to Joanne Hsu, director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan.  

06/11/2026

A comprehensive new poll released today by the Merchants Payments Coalition shows that the vast majority of Americans understand the high price of credit card swipe fees and want Congress to do something about it.

A comprehensive new poll released by MPC shows that the vast majority of Americans understand the high price of credit card swipe fees and want Congress to do something about it.

06/09/2026

Retail sales rose for the eighth consecutive month in May despite high gas prices and ongoing inflation, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today by the National Retail Federation.

Retail sales rose for the eighth consecutive month in May despite high gas prices and ongoing inflation, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions.

06/04/2026

The Merchants Payments Coalition expressed deep disappointment today after Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoed legislation that would have banned credit and debit card swipe fees on sales tax and was poised to deliver significant savings for small businesses and consumers across the state.

MPC expressed deep disappointment today after Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoed legislation that would have banned credit and debit card swipe fees on sales tax and was poised to deliver significant savings for small businesses and consumers across the state.

06/02/2026

Walmart associates from across Southeastern Kentucky came together Friday to support ongoing recovery efforts in Laurel County following the devastating EF4 tornado that impacted the community on May 16, 2025. Volunteers representing all 11 Walmart stores in Southeastern Kentucky participated in “Walmart: Planting Hope in Our Community,” a large-scale beautification and landscaping effort designed to help restore hope, pride and normalcy as rebuilding efforts continued. The initiative included the planting of 100 trees and 50 shrubs donated by Walmart throughout tornado-impacted neighborhoods. The effort was supported by several local partners, including the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department, which assisted with transportation of plants and materials, and the Laurel County Fire Department, which provided fire trucks to help water newly planted trees and shrubs during the event.

05/28/2026

According to NRF’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, 39% of respondents plan to buy a gift for a high school or college graduate in 2026.

🎓 season is more than a milestone—it’s a major retail moment.
From gifts to celebrations, see how consumers are showing up (and spending) for the Class of 2026. 👇
🔗 https://bit.ly/4k0uwXn

05/15/2026

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor shows sales grew in April despite high gas prices and sustained inflation. Read more: https://bit.ly/4u4DQOT

05/12/2026

For the first time in three years, Americans’ wages are no longer outpacing inflation.Prices rose 0.6% on a monthly basis, driving the annual rate to 3.8%, the highest since May 2023, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For the first time in three years, Americans’ wages are no longer outpacing inflation.

05/07/2026

The amount big banks and card networks may collect in credit card “swipe” fees on gasoline and diesel has now reached as much as $60 million a day, the Merchants Payments Coalition said today.

The amount big banks and card networks may collect in credit card “swipe” fees on gasoline and diesel has now reached as much as $60 million a day, MPC said.