A new poll finds consumers in the US and UK are almost evenly split—Gen Z is upbeat, Gen X is gloomy—amid a cost-of-living crunch and rapid tech gains. The results remind brand marketers that price, value, and purpose now collide at every purchase decision.

Tariffs are slowing retail sales growth: A Reuters analysis found the Trump administration’s trade policies have cost companies more than $34 billion in lost sales and higher costs, and that toll keeps rising.

Uncertainty reigns under Trump’s ever-changing tariff strategy: The threat of a 50% tariff on the EU could drive up the cost of small indulgences like gorgonzola and pricey machinery used in manufacturing.

Delinquencies for both student loans and credit cards could worsen as borrowers contend with more obligations

As US-imposed trade tariffs begin to take effect, business decision-makers and consumers are grappling with how to prepare—some more than others.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of April. 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 Analysts Arielle Feger and Sara Lebow will defend their list against Vice President of Content Suzy Davidkhanian and Senior Analyst Blake Droesch, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.

Nobody knows what’s ahead: Macroeconomic turmoil and shifting tariff policies make forecasting a guessing game that many consumer brands are opting out of.

2 in 5 brands plan to scale back Pride engagement: The change results from mounting conservative pressure—but some brands are reaffirming commitment.

Tariff-related price hikes are coming, CPGs warn: P&G, Keurig Dr Pepper, and Nestlé are among the companies planning to raise prices to offset cost increases.

LoopMe partners with Cedara for a sustainable ad future: The partnership emphasizes the need for sustainable commitments for brands and consumers.

Planning for the holidays may be harder this year as tariffs cast a shadow over both consumers and retailers. “As of right now, we’re seeing a lot of unusual consumer behavior that’s likely to persist as long as tariff uncertainty persists,” said our analyst Sky Canaves, author of our “US Holiday 2024 Recap and 2025 Preview” report. Still, there are steps retailers can take to prepare. Here are three key strategies to help navigate a challenging holiday season.

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.

Companies waste no time hiking prices: The cost of everything from coffee to video game consoles to sexual wellness products is going up, which will prompt shifts in consumer spending habits.

Tariffs will have a wide ranging impact on prices, consumer sentiment: Warehouse clubs, off-price retailers, and discount grocers could have an edge in this challenging retail environment.

Constellation Brands imports all of its beer from Mexico: That puts the Modelo parent in a challenging position in wake of US tariffs on imported canned beer and empty aluminum cans.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs landed harder than expected. Uncertainty remains, given the pause on reciprocal tariffs for countries willing to negotiate with the US—along with an escalating trade war with China. Which markets will take the greatest hits? And how might our US forecasts change?

The impacts of the Trump Administration’s new tariffs are already rippling through global supply chains and consumer markets. "US retailers should be dusting off their inflation playbooks and brace for erratic shifts in spending patterns," warned our analyst Blake Droesch.

Positivity pays on Pinterest: A new study determined that platforms deemed “positive” can significantly boost ad performance.

Record holiday sales helped retailers, but purchasing patterns across income groups diverged starkly. Middle- and lower-income consumers grew more selective, carefully weighing where and when to spend amid economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, higher-income shoppers continued to spend freely.

"Nobody knows what's going to happen and when," said our analyst Rachel Wolff on a recent “Behind the Numbers” podcast, about the potential impact of tariffs. "Everybody's just waiting until the last possible minute to figure out, will these actually go into effect?" Retailers are bracing for disruptions as President Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, China, and the EU loom.