Even though many people shop online, 81.5% of U.S. retail sales are still made in physical stores, according to a recent report. Some items, like household supplies and electronics, are easier to shop for online, but clothes and shoes can be tricky due to fit and quality issues.

Despite healthy store activity, Designer Brands, parent company of DSW, confirmed layoffs as part of efforts to streamline operations in a challenging retail environment. The National Retail Federation noted cautious consumer spending, especially among lower- and middle-income households.

Designer Brands announced streamlining efforts amid declining net sales in a volatile retail landscape. The company reported decreased sales in its December earnings report but expressed optimism about sequential improvements in financial and operating metrics.

Several retailers have made layoffs to cut costs and remain competitive in a changing market. For Designer Brands, layoffs are part of a strategy to simplify business operations and focus on areas with the strongest returns amid cautious consumer spending patterns.

With 45% of consumers shopping primarily in stores, retail sales are still dominated by physical locations. Online sales have seen significant growth post-Covid, but in-store purchases remain the majority. Retailers are navigating shifts in consumer behavior as they manage costs and adjust strategies to stay competitive.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Major shoe retailer cuts jobs to streamline operations