This quarter’s retail earnings reports are under close scrutiny due to limited government data on consumer spending. Walmart remains the retail king, beating earnings and revenue estimates, increasing its full-year sales outlook, and benefiting from consumer thriftness amid rising prices. The company’s focus on low prices positions it well for success.

Analysts note that US consumers are seeking promotions and feeling pressure from rising prices, making Walmart’s value proposition appealing. With thousands of price rollbacks in stores this year, Walmart is better insulated against economic pressures compared to other retailers. Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey emphasized Walmart’s strong position in the market.

Not all big-box retailers are faring as well as Walmart. Bath & Body Works reported lower-than-expected earnings and revenue, while Home Depot, Target, and Lowe’s all fell short of Wall Street’s expectations. These companies are adjusting their outlooks due to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and consumer pressures, highlighting the challenges in the retail sector.

Despite concerns, the National Retail Federation expects a robust holiday shopping season, with retail sales in November and December predicted to increase 3.7% to 4.2% from last year, surpassing $1 trillion for the first time. This positive outlook suggests that Americans are ready to spend during the holiday season, providing a potential boost to retailers.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Walmart Keeps Fan-Favorite Status as Shoppers Tighten Purse Strings