According to OpenTable, solo dining reservations in the U.S. have risen 29% over the last two years. The The Associated Press explores what's driving the trend and how some restaurants are adapting: ow.ly/kjJh50TfRH4.

The U.S. bakery products market is expected to reach a value of $86.93 billion by 2029, according to a new report from Research & Markets. Dive into the data and the growing consumer demand for healthier bakery options via Supermarket News: ow.ly/1kB650ThpLP.

According to Classic Cinemas 🍿 CEO Chris Johnson, retail success starts with preparation. Watch the video below for more insight from Chris, and discover how his family transformed one movie theater into a chain of 16 at ow.ly/6hWJ50RKloB. #IRMAWeAreRetail

As restaurants continue to speed ahead with artificial intelligence, a new survey by Mood Media reveals consumers are not totally convinced the technology is safe and reliable. Get more insight into consumers' views on AI via Restaurant Business: ow.ly/AMu050Tj0Hs.

The majority of American consumers will have started their holiday shopping by Nov. 1, according to a new survey from Skai. Explore the data and shoppers' spending plans for the holidays via Chain Store Age: ow.ly/6fs950Tk7Nt.

As the owner of a cleaning and restoration business in Central Illinois, Brad Wike knows most people call Peerless during a time of crisis. Find out why he's so committed to unwavering service via IRMA's "We Are Retail" campaign: ow.ly/ouAv50Tku5A #IRMAWeAreRetail

On behalf of IRMA Mission Partner The Viti Companies, we're encouraging our members to review their life insurance policies this September for National #LifeInsuranceAwarenessMonth! Visit our website to contact Viti Companies for more info: ow.ly/3SGL50TkjPn

According to new research from Deloitte, nine in 10 U.S. consumers said that fresh food makes them happy, and two-thirds would pay a premium for it. Explore the data and how retailers can meet consumer demand for fresh foods and convenience via Progressive Grocer: ow.ly/pALk50TkLaS.

With our Annual Meeting and Retailer of the Year Luncheon less than a month away, we wanted to say thank you to IRMA members 7-ELEVEn and Allwyn for sponsoring this year’s program. We look forward to seeing everyone in Chicago on Thursday, October 3! irma.org/annualmeeting/

How can retailers connect with Gen Z consumers? Rachel Bonsignore, VP of market research firm NIQ, discusses what these shoppers value most, their relationship with technology and more in the latest episode of National Retail Federation' Retail Gets Real podcast: ow.ly/bqLA50TkKL3

Nearly a third of shoppers are considering using buy now, pay later (BNPL) options this holiday season, according to a new survey from Morning Consult and afterpayusa. @chainstoreage breaks down the data and examines the growing interest in BNPL here: ow.ly/NUm550TkLMk.

Reminder: The deadline to register for our Annual Meeting and Retailer of the Year Luncheon is next week! Don’t miss the opportunity to join us and fellow IRMA members on Thursday, October 3 to celebrate Illinois’ amazing retail industry: irma.org/annualmeeting/.

What drives consumers to subscribe to a retailer or brand's promotional newsletter? According to a new LiveIntent survey, about half of consumers would sign up for exclusive content or a discount. Dive into the data via Chain Store Age: ow.ly/FTHj50TogLb.

Nearly 70% of shoppers want personalized experiences across both digital and physical channels, according to a new study from Incisiv and Talkdesk. Get more insight into how personalization can boost retail sales and customer retention via Retail Dive: ow.ly/Swkg50Tpef5

A big thank you to IRMA members @Certco and CVS Health for sponsoring our Annual Meeting and Retailer of the Year Luncheon, which will take place on Thursday, October 3 in Chicago. Reserve your seat today - registration closes on Friday, September 20: irma.org/annualmeeting/.

New research from 84.51˚ shows Gen Z prioritizes low prices and overall value when shopping for groceries while baby boomers focus on value. @drugstorenews examines how retailers can tailor their marketing strategies to engage with both generations: ow.ly/1pUZ50TpJVK

For owner Tresa Storto, Perfectly Posh Boutique is more than just a place to shop for women’s fashion. Discover how her passion for personal touches and customer service sets this Marion boutique apart in IRMA’s “We Are Retail” campaign: ow.ly/oLIW50TpCjE #IRMAWeAreRetail

Nearly 70% of consumers say stricter return policies are deterring them from making purchases, according to Blue Yonder' 2024 Consumer Retail Returns Survey. Explore the data via Chain Store Age: ow.ly/zrcH50TqZ1u.

Reminder: Tomorrow is the last day to register for our Annual Meeting and Retailer of the Year Luncheon! Secure your seat today to join us on Thursday, October 3 in Chicago: irma.org/annualmeeting/.

Halloween spending is projected to hit a record $11.6 billion in 2024, according to @nrfnews' annual survey. Get more insights into consumer spending plans for the spooky season and this year's most popular costumes: ow.ly/U7qz50TrPcA.