Travel brands and issuers are pushing premium cards to attract affluent consumers and boost revenues
Tariffs drive ad pullbacks: Temu and Shein reduce US ad spending ahead of policy shift, signaling fallout across ecommerce and social platforms.
Global gains power L’Oréal past expectations as US market cools: CEO Nicolas Hieronimus flagged slowing beauty demand and US retailer constraints but noted the brand is well positioned to handle tariff-driven disruptions.
Anticipated tariffs are speeding up purchasing decisions, revealing a tension between economic caution and the desire to avoid future markups.
In-store payments provide a new growth avenue for BNPL providers facing slower industrywide volume growth
Retail leasing demand hit a post-pandemic low in Q1: Retailers and landlords alike have been hesitant to lease or purchase property for new store builds amid continued macroeconomic uncertainty.
There’s little relief in store for the housing industry: Housing starts plunged in March, while the country’s largest homebuilder warned of weak demand.
Michaels looks to attract Party City and Joann’s shoppers: The crafts retailer expands its selection of party supplies and balloons, while also enhancing its in-store events.
The company said its premium base will help it withstand a potential economic slowdown or other macroeconomic concerns
Target’s foot traffic has declined for 10 straight weeks: The drop followed its decision to step back from DEI efforts, a topic the CEO discussed with activist Al Sharpton.
The deal, which also includes FIS’s purchase of Global Payment’s issuing business, redraws lines that had previously been blurring
Tariffs imperil beauty industry just as post-pandemic boom slows: Costs are expected to spike as duties hit key imports, leaving brands scrambling to maintain sales without alienating price-conscious buyers.
California sues to stop tariffs as legal challenges pile up: The state is arguing that Trump lacks the authority to implement the duties, which will cause significant harm to its economy.
Consumer spending surged in March: But the rapid decline in consumer sentiment and likely surge in inflation is sure to slow that momentum in the coming months.
Mercado Libre will grow its headcount by 33% this year to solidify Latin America ecommerce dominance: The company looks to strengthen its business in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina—its three largest markets.
Furniture retail squeezed by high acquisition costs: Industry KPI data shows the sector at a disadvantage as economic uncertainty and tariffs drive up the cost of winning customers.
Retail sales in China in March grew 5.9%: Government subsidies drove the fastest growth since December 2023, but the escalating US‑China trade war is likely to curb spending in the months ahead.
Retailers are feeling the ripple effects of new tariffs as consumers brace for higher prices. While some shoppers accept the trade-off, many are already adjusting their habits—from cutting back on fast food to seeking out deals. To stay competitive, brands must focus on value, transparency, and smart messaging. Here are five key stats on how tariffs are shaking things up.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how department stores are getting on, how they’re evolving, and what the contemporary department store needs to do to stick around. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Vice President of Content Suzy Davidkhanian and Senior Analyst Carina Perkins.
Anxiety around inflation, a deteriorating labor market, and trade war consequences have deepened consumer uncertainty about the US economy, with wide-ranging implications for retail.