Half a decade out from the pandemic, retail has firmly established its “new normal,” one where consumers seek spaces they can relax, people return to the office, and wellness remains a focus. Here are four trends illustrating where consumers are spending their time and how those changes impact retail.
Trump’s tariff reprieve exacerbates uncertainty: The stop-and-start nature to the administration’s economic policy keeps retailers—and consumers—on edge.
Higher prices could impede volume growth and raise credit card issuers’ delinquencies
The increased security for merchants and customers can make Skipify a more attractive payments partner
JD.com’s retail sales rose 14.7% in Q4: That’s an encouraging sign for China’s retailers as they eagerly await a consumption recovery.
The rule would require larger payment apps to be regulated like banks. Ending this rule would be a win for Apple Pay and Google Wallet
Private label is key to Kroger’s growth prospects this year: The grocer is relying on its owned brands to attract deal-seeking shoppers.
The US does $2.18 trillion in cross-border trade (both imports and exports) with its top three biggest partners—Mexico, Canada, and China—according to the US Census Bureau.
Macy’s makes strides in Q4, but pressures persist: Revamped stores show improvement, but the company’s turnaround is a work in progress.
Generative AI (genAI) is fundamentally changing how consumers shop online, potentially eliminating the "treasure hunt" experience that drives impulse purchases and changing how marketers push products.
40-day boycott makes Target a target: The company is already dealing with fallout from February’s economic blackout, and another boycott could spell trouble.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what a tariff even is, what might happen when they’re implemented, and how best to prepare for them. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Principal Analysts Paul Briggs and Matteo Ceurvels, and Analyst Rachel Wolff.
AI-powered search and AR try-ons promise a smoother buying journey, but with social commerce on the rise, Google has to fight for attention.
Abercrombie & Fitch sees slowdown looming as tariffs take effect: The retailer expects sales growth and profits to be seriously pressured in 2025.
Adidas’ CEO says Q4 results were ‘much better than we had expected’: The company’s sales rose 19% YoY, ahead of analysts’ expectations, helping it gain ground on Nike.
First-party data is becoming essential: As third-party cookies disappear, brands like The New York Times, Disney, and McDonald’s are leveraging direct consumer relationships to improve ad targeting and measurement.
Target looks to add $15 billion in sales by 2030: However, 2025 is shaping up to be a tough year, as tariffs dampen discretionary demand and shoppers push back against its DEI policies.
Nordstrom ended the year on a high note: The retailer’s banner comparable sales rose 5.3% YoY in Q4, and off-price Rack’s comps increased 3.5%.
The explosion of softPOS is reshaping the POS landscape and forcing hardware and software providers to pivot
It’s a major win for the P2P player as the Trump administration dismantles the agency