Last week, Amazon made a last-minute offer to buy TikTok, just days before President Donald Trump postponed enforcement of the sale-or-ban law for another 75 days. Reportedly, the bid isn’t being taken seriously, so it’s unlikely the deal will go through. However, the deal is worth considering because it shows how Amazon is trying to maintain its status as the top retail media network and ecommerce retailer in the US.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what consumer confidence actually means, which specific economic indicators most significantly impact it, and what all this says about the overall health of retail right now. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Vice President of Content Suzy Davidkhanian, Senior Analyst Zak Stambor, and Research Associate Professor and Director of the Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan Joanne Hsu.
Trump hikes tariffs on China, pauses higher reciprocal tariffs on others: We expect US retail sales growth to slow due to the broader impact of his trade policies.
Mother’s Day campaigns are shifting toward personal storytelling, creator partnerships, and emotionally resonant content to deepen consumer connection. For marketers, it’s a reminder that authenticity and brand values can drive both engagement and sales.
Walmart is upbeat despite tariff turmoil: The retailer expects to take share as shoppers grow more value-conscious.
The company demands AI-driven workflows while offering only self-led training, risking burnout and backlash from a workforce already bracing for cuts.
In today’s episode, we talk about what young people want most from a bank, their favorite alternative investments, and what their parents have taught them about saving for the future. Join the discussion with host and Head of Business Development Rob Rubin, Analyst Lauren Ashcraft and Senior Analyst Grace Broadbent.
China turns to stimulus, charm offensive to blunt Trump’s tariffs: But US duties of 104% could deal a severe blow to an economy struggling with depressed consumer and business confidence.
Tariff escalation reshapes Latin America trade: New duties disrupt retail margins, inventory flows, and regional growth forecasts.
Bringing manufacturing back to the US is easier said than done: Tariff uncertainty makes it hard for companies to take on large-scale projects.
Consumers became more cautious with their spending, a trend that could worsen with Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Uptake could be limited given the crypto market plunge
Acadia acquires Crush to expand Amazon-first capabilities: The deal reflects growing demand for full-funnel retail media solutions.
Consumers are eating at home more often: Cooking is on the rise as shoppers look to save.
With iPhone prices poised to spike, Apple’s supply chain edge offers a short reprieve, but panic buying reveals deeper economic fears taking hold
True Religion, the 23-year-old urban casual lifestyle apparel brand, has maintained relevance by strategically balancing heritage with innovation and leveraging cultural connections, while expanding to new audiences.
Levi Strauss excludes tariff impact from forecast: The uncertainty and upheaval from the latest duties are making it impossible for the retailer to nail down a mitigation strategy.
If ad dollars shrink, Meta and others may need to ditch risky side projects and focus on scalable, affordable services to survive the slowdown