Gap, Inc. launched a creator platform, the latest move among retailers tapping influencers to extend their cultural reach and attract new customers. Retailers like Gap need creators to stay relevant with consumers—especially younger audiences that get much of their shopping inspiration on social media. But to attract those influencers, companies need to make sure that their incentives measure up. Free products are a good start, but offering sales commissions—as Gap and Lowe’s do—will bring creators on board and keep them in the fold.

Brands redefine customer acquisition through tech partnerships: Retailers tap nontraditional channels to connect with new audiences in a challenging economy

Amazon and Walmart dominate the landscape, but the other half of US ecommerce sales is still up for grabs.

While our analysts have shared their major trends for the year ahead, the newsletter team has a few additional thoughts. In 2025, we think retailers will focus on personalized in-store experiences and technology to boost foot traffic and engagement while Amazon brings its AI assistant, Rufus, to brick-and-mortar locations. Discount retailers will struggle to retain customers, leading them to diversify or launch marketplaces to stay competitive.

In Q3, retailers struggled with shopping trends upended by extreme summer weather along with a threat of incoming tariffs. Here’s how they addressed these challenges in their Q3 earnings calls and what it could mean for the industry heading into 2025.

Consumers aren’t splurging on discretionary home improvement projects: That’s a big reason Lowe’s expects year-over-year sales to decline for 2024.

A number of retailers and brands have eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs this year. These changes may not present a PR issue for many brands, said Dr. Marcus Collins, clinical assistant professor of marketing at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Lowe’s joins Home Depot in warning of sales pressure amid difficult market conditions: The home improvement retailer lowered its FY sales forecast as skyrocketing prices, limited supply, and high borrowing costs weigh on the housing market.

Uber and DoorDash report double-digit growth as customers prioritize convenience: Order frequency rose in Q2 thanks to both companies’ membership programs and growing selections of merchants.

Shopping should be easy, according to Ryan Fagan, vice president of digital at Lowe’s. “Our job is to guide them through their shopping trip as seamlessly as possible.” Fagan shared three ways Lowe’s is enhancing its ecommerce experience, from tailoring the digital experience to specific customer segments to surfacing other relevant products throughout the shopping journey.

Two weeks have passed since Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, but its success is unclear. Amazon’s first-ever Big Spring Sale took place from March 20-25, offering discounts on seasonal items like spring fashion, fitness products, and cleaning and yard work essentials.

Amazon announces Big Spring Sale as consumers show signs of spending fatigue: The retailer is counting on the event to jolt sales and give its ad business an edge over Meta and Google.

Apple’s VR headset, the Apple Vision Pro, became available in the US on February 2. Almost immediately after, brands began announcing immersive experiences that would be available for download on the headset.

Apparel and consumer electronics could get a boost from the back-to-school and holiday seasons. But home improvement may have a ways to go before the category rebounds.

Interest rates are rising. The housing market is cooling. Combine those factors with two years of home improvement projects during the COVID-19 pandemic and outlooks don’t look great for home improvement retailers. This has led them to focus on other revenue streams, including advertising, professional services, and loyalty programs.

Retailers struggle to find a balance between growth and sustainability: Efforts to reduce environmental footprints often run counter to the desire to grow sales.

Moving across the US-Canada border can be the first step toward international expansion for retailers. Canadian brands like lululemon athletica and Aritzia are thriving in the US. Meanwhile, US-based companies Lowe’s, Nordstrom, and Bed Bath & Beyond recently announced they were leaving Canada. And let’s not forget Target’s famous Canadian failure. Here’s a look at how brands on both sides of the border have fared, and the lessons you can learn from them.

Retailers and restaurants struggle to fill positions: Over 36% of companies said hiring has gotten harder over the past year.

Over the next two years, the four ecommerce companies with the largest shares of US retail ecommerce sales will hold their spots. But moves by smaller players will shake up the rankings.