As software standardizes, AI features emerge as key differentiators for survival-focused SMBs.

Retail media is entering an execution era; advertisers are now judging networks on speed, flexibility, and clarity, not just closed-loop performance or topline growth.

Almost half (49%) of consumers plan to shop for Halloween before October, according to a September National Retail Federation (NRF) report.

It’s hard to plan around Trump administration policies: One day, smartphones and other electronics are spared from tariffs; the next, the exemption is called temporary.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the most interesting 2025 retail trends that we heard at NRF, and expect to hear at eTail, ShopTalk, and other events. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Chief Content Officer Zia Daniell Wigder and Vice President Suzy Davidkhanian.

The National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show closed earlier this week, bringing together retailers, tech companies, and industry experts to discuss the future of retail. Key takeaways included Gen Z’s influence on shopping, which will last even if TikTok goes away, the accelerating trend cycle, hesitation to adopt new payment technologies, and the transformation of digital grocery. Here are four takeaways from the event.

Shein’s efforts to woo US lawmakers, NRF fall on deaf ears: The fast-fashion giant could shift its IPO to London as it tries to head off supply chain scrutiny.

We argue where the merchants have a point—and where the deal gives them a win

Higher-income consumers feel the pinch of soaring inflation: US retail sales growth slowed to 2.9% year-over-year in March as spending on big-ticket items slowed.

Retail theft is on the rise: Macy’s, Ulta, TJX, and Five Below are among the retailers that have recently warned about shrink eating into their margins.

Consumers expect to spend nearly 10% more on Valentine’s Day this year: And nearly one-third plan to give the gift of an experience, the highest share ever.

Zara is charging UK customers £1.95 to return online orders: The fee may help preserve Zara’s margins, but it could come at a cost to brand loyalty.

Inflation hasn’t hurt retail sales, which grew 7.2% in April: That growth stems from people flocking to stores. In-store sales rose 10.0%, while ecommerce sales fell 1.8%.

Despite a number of economic challenges, retail spending is expected to remain strong: Retail sales growth slowed in February but strong job and wage increases and declining unemployment provide reasons for optimism.

After mostly missing out on a year of holiday fun, data shows that US consumers are excited to get back into the swing of things this year.

A decade after the end of the Great Recession (and before the coronavirus roiled the economy), consumers have stuck with older means of economizing and added new ones to their shopping mix.

eMarketer principal analyst Andrew Lipsman and executive editor of the eMarketer Retail Newsletter Rimma Kats share firsthand accounts of the National Retail Federation’s annual trade show, focusing on retail personalization, returns, sustainability and more.

The term "Cyber Monday" was first introduced to the retail world in 2005 via a press release from Shop.org. What is now the moniker of one of the biggest shopping holidays of the year was coined by members of the organization and its then-executive director Scott Silverman.

Discounts and low prices are historic holiday asks. But this year, sustainability is also top of mind. According to a recent survey, shoppers are more mindful of who they do business with, especially as it pertains to the environment.

"Buy online, pick up in-store" is a retail service that a dominant proportion of today's youngest consumers are taking advantage of, according to Package Concierge.