Alibaba’s stranglehold on ecommerce in China is loosening: The company’s earnings disappointed amid weakening consumer demand, robust performances from rivals, and more scrutiny from Beijing.

Black-owned brands are underrepresented on store shelves: While many retailers use Black History Month to support Black-owned businesses, addressing long-term inequities is a year-round challenge.

Rapid grocery apps face regulatory scrutiny as local governments push back: A proposed bill would prevent ultrafast services from advertising 15-minute delivery in New York City.

Amazon’s bet on brick-and-mortar grocery has yet to pay off: A new report highlights the company’s physical retail struggles, but digital grocery remains a bright spot.

The tight housing market is good news for retailers: The Home Depot and Lowe’s can benefit from consumers fixing up and renovating their homes—if they can navigate supply chain issues.

Unionization efforts pose a challenge to brands’ images: Labor efforts at Amazon, Apple, REI, and Starbucks show a side of these popular brands that could turn off consumers.

Walmart Inc.’s earnings show the benefit of prioritizing value over profits: The company’s decision to keep prices low helped it maintain growth and gain market share.

Shein’s legal maneuvers demonstrate its global ambitions: The fast-fashion retailer is expanding its Singapore presence as it attempts to bypass stricter Chinese rules on offshore IPOs.

Gopuff’s labor challenges underscore the dark side of rapid delivery: The company is likely trying to cut costs ahead of a potential IPO but must contend with increased government scrutiny and worker activism.

Inflation hasn’t cooled consumers’ desire to spend: Nonstore sales rose 14.5% in January, and overall retail sales increased 3.8%, in the latest sign that the US economy remains strong.

Amazon Fresh is on a rapid growth curve: Grocery is a key element within Amazon’s offline push.

Price increases hit retailers and consumers hard: As inflation approaches historic highs, retailers have to decide how much of the cost can be passed on without alienating their customer base.