The 2025 Retail Matters research report, developed in partnership with the Virginia Retail Alliance, explores the top retail trends for 2025 impacting entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the broader retail landscape. This comprehensive report offers valuable consumer insights, analyzes economic and technology shifts, and addresses critical topics such as AI in retail, changing consumer demographics, and evolving tariff policies. The report features original research from Main Street America, drawing on feedback from local Main Street communities, small businesses, and entrepreneurial ecosystem builders to highlight real-world challenges and opportunities in today’s retail environment.

Please note: while one chapter is focused on Virginia data and impacts, the vast majority of the report is nationalized.