When the price of everything from gas to groceries has increased dramatically, there’s plenty to be anxious about, especially as you prep for the fourth quarter. But the industry isn’t in full panic mode—yet. You’re feeling it. Customers are feeling it. The state of the economy, fraught with rising prices and interest rates, is weighing you down in the middle of the holiday season. How does inflation affect consumer spending? How will it affect your bottom line? What can you do to mitigate losses? How do you move product when everyday expenditures like gas and groceries are through the roof? We asked retailers and industry analysts to offer answers to these questions and more. A Look Back To start, let’s put the current economy in context. Is t