On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of January. Each month, our analysts Arielle Feger, Becky Schilling, and Sara Lebow (aka The Committee) put together a very unofficial list of the top eight retailers they're watching based on which are making the most interesting moves: Who's launching new initiatives? Which partnerships are moving the needle? Which standout marketing campaigns are being created? In this month's episode, Committee members Analyst Arielle Feger and Senior Analyst Sara Lebow will defend their list against Senior Analyst Zak Stambor and Analyst Rachel Wolff, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.

The explosive rise of dupe videos—where shoppers hunt for budget versions of luxury items—is reshaping how retailers compete for customers. With rising financial pressures, shoppers are increasingly turning to store brands and lower-priced alternatives that mimic higher-end products. This shift is not just a matter of necessity but has also evolved into a culture where consumers proudly share their budget-friendly finds.

While 2024 saw the rise of “Sephora kids”, in 2025 more beauty brands may target Gen X consumers to grow sales amid a challenging economy.

Beauty’s run of strong retail sales growth is winding down, but new audiences and sales channels will offer opportunities for savvy brands and retailers to regain momentum.

Back in January, the Retail Daily newsletter editors made some retail predictions for 2024. While we were right about Amazon opening fulfillment centers out of physical stores, we were wrong about more digitally native brands partnering with Amazon. Want the full rundown? Here’s how we did.

From Temu’s rise to their interest in dupes, Gen Z prioritized affordability and convenience in 2024. Gen Z consumers also showed interest in in-person shopping, but crowded stores may be limiting their trips to brick-and-mortar retail.

Though beauty is a crowded category,11:11 Beauty is hoping Paris Hilton’s multigenerational appeal could help it break through the noise, and power a content flywheel.

In November, retailers made strategic moves across grocery, apparel, and beauty. Amazon turned Black Friday into a weeklong event and launched its Shein competitor, Haul. Meanwhile, e.l.f. Beauty strengthened its value proposition through a new Dollar General partnership, while Kroger announced plans for specialized Asian experience stores in North Texas. Here are our eight unofficial picks for the most interesting retailers in November.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss which retailers have the most to gain from New Year's resolution making, attitudes towards them, and how they can capitalize on them. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Senior Analyst Sky Canaves and Senior Director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman.

High-income consumers, those earning $150,000+ annually, are charting a unique "discovery-to-purchase" journey that begins in physical stores but frequently concludes in digital channels, according to new EMARKETER research. "These consumers demonstrate more technological comfort than their peers," our analyst Paola Flores-Marquez said on the “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast. "They're willing to explore multiple channels before making purchase decisions."

Luxury brands are grappling with downturns in the US and China, the largest markets for personal luxury goods, and will have to seize opportunities for growth from new markets and product innovation.

Social commerce is gaining momentum in the UK—with sales set to double by 2028—as major brands join TikTok and as more people shop on social platforms.

High-income consumers are more likely to discover new brands or products in-store, but they typically make the final purchase online.

Marketplaces play a major role in beauty and clothing, while grocery shoppers rely on in-store visits. Retailers must balance both online and in-store strategies, leveraging loyalty programs and fast delivery to stay competitive.

Sephora-related content resonated best with Gen Z consumers, but legacy brands like Neutrogena struggled to maintain relevance. Cultural moments like Pride and back-to-school drove Q3 UGC, while video tutorials on platforms like TikTok provide more effective ways for brands to connect with Gen Z. Here are four insights into how beauty brand-related, UGC performed among Gen Z consumers in Q3, according to research firm dcdx’s Gen Z's Top 50 Beauty Brands Report Q3 2024.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of September. Each month, our analysts Arielle Feger, Becky Schilling, and Sara Lebow (aka The Committee) put together a very unofficial list of the top eight retailers they're watching based on which are making the most interesting moves: Who's launching new initiatives? Which partnerships are moving the needle? Which standout marketing campaigns are being created? In this month's episode, Committee members Arielle Feger and Sara Lebow will defend their list against analysts Zak Stambor and Rachel Wolff, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.

Low- and high-earning consumers are shopping at Walmart, while income groups splinter for off-price fashion retailers. Temu draws households from rural areas, and Amazon shoppers come in all ages. Here are five key stats from Coresight Research’s August 2024 report, “US Consumer Survey Insights Extra,” to help marketers refine their targeting strategies.

Gen Z’s complicated path to purchase leans heavily on digital platforms and channels. But offline resources still play a key role.

Ecommerce sales have returned to modest growth in Western Europe as the economic outlook brightens and more people embrace the convenience of shopping via mobile phone.

Amid shifting consumer priorities, competitive promotional activity, and an unusual calendar, brands and retailers must fine-tune their holiday 2024 marketing strategies to maximize sales during this critical period.