US small businesses largely missed out on the record Big Five shopping, per a Fiserv press release. Issuers and payment providers should look to boost their local merchants’ sales and consumers’ spending by making it easier to shop small. Local neighborhood networks like Square Neighborhood and Bilt’s local deals can encourage SMB spending in consumers’ stomping grounds. Integrated BNPL offers may also entice spending from young consumers who are adverse to the perceived risks of revolving credit or are locked out from traditional lines.

Cracker Barrel’s short-lived rebrand—and its rapid reversal—has quickly become a cautionary tale for heritage brands navigating change.

This can help the POS provider attract a wider range of customers and cross-sell other features

Retailers are feeling the ripple effects of new tariffs as consumers brace for higher prices. While some shoppers accept the trade-off, many are already adjusting their habits—from cutting back on fast food to seeking out deals. To stay competitive, brands must focus on value, transparency, and smart messaging. Here are five key stats on how tariffs are shaking things up.

The POS provider achieved this milestone despite slowing growth due to intense competition

Retail has come off its lengthy run of outperforming overall US ad spending growth. While growth will dip below the average for all industries in 2024, the pace is set to pick up again in 2025 and 2026.

How are consumers adapting to digital dining tools designed to make ordering and delivery more convenient? Are they embracing restaurant apps, delivery platforms, and digital ordering kiosks?

“The restaurant industry is still reeling from the impact of the pandemic,” our content director Becky Schilling said on an episode of “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast. On top of that, inflation and economic uncertainty has made for a tough four years. In face of these persisting challenges, restaurants are turning to AI and unified commerce solutions to improve the customer experience, build loyalty, and supercharge personalization.

Inflation is on the rise and the competition for consumer dollars is heating up between restaurants and retailers. Here are five insights into how consumers are purchasing their food as prices continue to rise.

Restaurants are investing in AI and unified commerce to enhance personalization and the customer experience.

Peacock expands its reach beyond the home: Exclusive live sports to be shown in commercial venues, diversifying audience and increasing brand visibility.

DoorDash’s grocery business is booming, and Instacart is leaning on advertising to tide it over as its delivery volumes are down. Perhaps taking a cue from both, Uber Eats continues to add non-restaurant delivery partners while also building out its advertising platform.

Amazon, Costco Wholesale, and other retailers now face an uphill battle to win recurring revenues in the era of subscription fatigue.

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

Where people work and live has changed—for the long haul: Retailers and restaurants that cater to downtown office workers need to adjust to the new normal.

Big Tech’s real estate addiction cured by downturn: Companies are reversing their office expansion plans to cut costs. Long-term, the move makes more financial sense than layoffs given the rise of remote work.

Mentions of inflationary language on Yelp increased 4% in Q3 as compared to the previous quarter and 22% year over year (YoY), according to a publication from the business review platform.

A flurry of forces is changing how consumers eat and drink: Rising grocery costs, shifting work patterns, and practical considerations are causing people to adjust their dining habits.

Customers can save their payment details to enable faster ordering across the Olo Pay network.

The pandemic has accelerated consumer adoption of QR codes. Here’s how marketers can take advantage of the technology.