To compete, fintech still must measure up against regulated and consumer-favorite card-linked installment plans.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how tariffs will impact private labels, if private label still a synonym for “affordable”, and some unofficial awards for the 5 most interesting private label players. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Principal Analyst Sky Canaves and Analyst Arielle Feger.
Funding hit a two-year high, but the concentration among megarounds points to deeper problems in the startup funding space
Consumers stick with retail brands that reflect their identity, act with integrity, and make them feel good—especially when those brands recognize loyal customers. Perks like early access matter, but tech like AI only resonates when it genuinely makes shopping easier. To keep people engaged, brands should focus on making all customers—from high earners to rural shoppers—feel seen and valued. Here’s how consumers view their favorite brands and how brands can provide more value to loyal customers.
Amazon Haul expands overseas as de minimis uncertainty clouds domestic prospects: The low-cost marketplace is now available to UK and Saudi Arabian shoppers.
ThredUp sees a big opportunity ahead: Steep tariffs on China and the closing of the de minimis loophole will drive up prices for new products, which could be a boon to the resale platform.
Hugo Boss is adjusting to the macro landscape on the fly: The German fashion house is rerouting China-made goods to other markets and stockpiling in the US to blunt the impact of tariffs.
But its megadeal with Worldpay and FIS will transform its business and expand its revenue opportunities
The agency wants to rework the rules to address banks' concerns. We look at what it would mean for open banking adoption in the US.
As tariffs put pressure on retail media budgets, advertisers are, in turn, pressuring retail media networks (RMNs) for more sophisticated measurement tools that provide them with richer data across the entire funnel.
Trump administration’s student loan crackdown couldn’t come at a worse time: Wage garnishment and loan defaults could reduce annual consumer spending by $63 billion, pressuring the strained US economy.
In April, Walmart led the retail rankings thanks to its advanced grid-based delivery system and an elevated in-store beauty experience. Amazon followed closely with the testing of a new AI-powered “Buy For Me” feature designed to simplify purchases. Meanwhile, Temu and Shein adjusted their pricing strategies due to rising import costs, risking their low-price appeal. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our “Behind the Numbers” podcast.
Skechers goes private in challenging time for footwear industry: The $9.4 billion deal will give the company breathing room to navigate punishingly high tariffs.
Toys are among the first cuts when consumers feel squeezed: Coupled with shifting tariff policies, that puts Mattel in a tough spot.
71% of consumers worldwide are interested in AI agents that can answer questions for faster customer service, according to December 2024 data from Salesforce.
Payment providers are investing in AI to help streamline and personalize both the merchant and customer experiences
The personalized rewards offering will help the credit card stand out against other no-annual-fee credit cards
In retail, digital twins are virtual replicas of real-world products, stores, or processes, helping retailers model everything from supply chains to store layouts. Digital twins may play an even bigger role in retail now that retailers must navigate the uncertainty around tariffs. Here are four ways they can help retailers prepare and respond.
Microsoft moves to kill the password for good: New accounts skip passwords entirely, and users can delete old ones—part of a bigger push to make passkeys the new normal.
It wants to become a one-stop shop for businesses and consumers alike