Digital-native retailers struggle to turn a profit: Rockets of Awesome and Warby Parker demonstrate the challenges upstarts face when they attempt to pivot from fast-paced growth to profitability.

Retailers take last-mile fulfillment into their own hands: Companies like Costco and Amazon are building their own logistics networks, to the detriment of FedEx and UPS.

Consumer trust in eco-friendly claims is wavering: That’s driving large retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Starbucks to find new ways to demonstrate the effectiveness of their efforts.

Beijing’s zero-COVID policy wreaks havoc on the global supply chain: Lockdowns in Shenzhen and Dongguan make it harder and more expensive for retailers like Amazon and Walmart to deliver goods to overseas shoppers.

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.

Off-price retailers have an opportunity to attract customers: US consumers’ confidence slipped in February, driving shoppers to focus on value.

Twitter expands social commerce offerings to catch up with competitors: The social media platform won’t be a shopping destination anytime soon, but that won’t stop it from experimenting.

Fashion resale platforms focus on expansion first, profits later: The RealReal, thredUP, and Poshmark all saw strong sales in 2021, but must now cope with slow shopper growth and high infrastructure costs.

Is it time to rethink the gig worker-based business model?: Amazon alters jobs for grocery-picking gig workers to help meet growing demand for online orders.

Amazon’s freewheeling approach to brick-and-mortar is at an end: The retail giant closes stores as it focuses on boosting profitability and winning grocery market share from Walmart and Target.

Retailers face several concurrent headwinds that could stifle sales: Costco, Victoria’s Secret, and Urban Outfitters warn that inflation, supply chain problems, and global unrest could make for a challenging retail environment.

The tight labor market is empowering retail workers: Boosting pay can help retailers retain staff and ensure they’re providing a good customer experience.

Retailers invest in last-mile fulfillment as shoppers clamor for convenience: Growing ecommerce business has led companies to revamp their brick-and-mortar footprints and adopt autonomous delivery methods.

TikTok’s ecommerce priorities are clear with expansion into Southeast Asia: Parent company ByteDance hopes to turn social media users into social commerce adopters.

Large brands shift their focus to direct sales: Meanwhile, many digital-native retailers are turning to wholesale as they look for cost-effective ways to attract new customers.

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.