Afternoon Coffee: Amazon Expected to Be Top Retailer by 2017, Online Sales Surge Increasing Demand, Prices for U.S. Warehouses

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Amazon is on track to become the top U.S. apparel retailer by 2017, overtaking No. 1 retailer Macy’s, according to an analysis by investment bank Cowen. Apparel purchasers on Amazon increased 19% in the first quarter compared to Q1 2015.

More news on Amazon: the online retailer is reportedly expanding the number of private labels it offers on its website for a range of products including food, household items and baby products like diapers.

The growth in U.S. online sales is increasing the demand for, and prices of, warehouse space. Real-estate brokerage firm CBRE Inc. reported warehouse rental prices rose 9.9% in 2015 compared to 2015.

Retail imports fell in the first quarter of the year but are expected to reach new highs during the summer, according to a recent Global Port Tracker report. Retail imports during the first half of 2016 is expected to be up 1.4% from 2015. In August, total twenty-foot equivalent units are expected to reach 1.6 million, making it one of six highest months on record.

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