Easter Spending Expected to Reach a Record $24.9 Billion

Consumer spending on Easter is expected to reach a record total of $24.9 billion this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The amount surpasses the previous record of $24 billion set in 2023. On a per-person basis, shoppers are budgeting a record high of $195.59, up from the previous record of $192.01 in 2023.

“While economic uncertainty remains on the minds of many, consumers are still focused on holiday celebrations like Easter,” NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. “Holidays provide an important opportunity...

FMI Welcomes Illinois Ruling Maintaining Prohibition of Swipe Fees on Sales Tax

Today [February 10, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association applauded a ruling by the Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division that upheld the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. Passed in spring 2024, this law prohibits levying swipe fees on the sales tax portion of a credit card transaction. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement. 

“FMI applauds the court decision today that preserves this first-in-the-nation law to prohibit charging retailers and consumers swipe fees on the sales taxes portion of a...

E-Commerce Drives Growth and Strategy for Private Brands in Food Retail

The Food Industry Association (FMI) released findings from its new report entitled, "The Power of Private Brands 2025: Industry Strategies to Sustain Momentum."

This report highlights the impact of e-commerce on the growth of private brands at food retailers and the tools businesses are using to boost sales and shopper loyalty.

According to the report, food retailers are increasingly recognizing the value of e-commerce and anticipate it may eventually outpace in-store purchases. It stated that sales of private brand...