The U.S. economy showed resilience in 2023, with consumer spending, backed by wage growth, defying recessionary forecasts. The balance between wages and inflation played a crucial role in sustaining consumer purchasing power. Businesses and policymakers must monitor this balance closely. Retail’s role in driving economic activity was highlighted, and strategic insights for 2024 were outlined, emphasizing technology, workforce, and operational considerations. Labor market dynamics and consumer confidence trends were also discussed, providing business leaders with guidance for strategic planning.