Middle-class shoppers are pulling back, sending alarms through the retail industry: 'There are signs of real distress on the way'

Home Depot missed forecasts as middle-class shoppers pulled back on big projects. Milder weather and housing pressures hit demand for home improvement supplies. One analyst warned the consumer backdrop is going from "from soft to softer" heading into winter. Home Depot just became the latest major retailer to warn that the slowdown in consumer spending is spreading. The home improvement cut its full-year outlook on Tuesday, reporting weakening sales growth for Q3. Comparable sales — a key measure ...