Toys are among the first cuts when consumers feel squeezed: Coupled with shifting tariff policies, that puts Mattel in a tough spot.

Skechers goes private in challenging time for footwear industry: The $9.4 billion deal will give the company breathing room to navigate punishingly high tariffs.

Trump administration’s student loan crackdown couldn’t come at a worse time: Wage garnishment and loan defaults could reduce annual consumer spending by $63 billion, pressuring the strained US economy.

Consumers—especially Gen Z—are eager to spend on live events: Summer concert ticket sales are at record levels thanks to high-profile stadium tours and the strong appeal of live experiences.

Private label sales growth outpaced national brands last year: Consumers' growing appetite for value is driving grocers to elevate their brands to compete against established names.

Consumers stick with Instacart amid uncertainty: The delivery platform’s orders jumped 14% in Q1 thanks to its Uber partnership and a lower minimum for Instacart+ members.

The biggest ecommerce disruptors face a reckoning: The closing of the de minimis exemption is forcing Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop to pivot, but it isn’t clear that shoppers will follow.

Amazon’s earnings follow a familiar pattern: The retailer expects solid sales growth as investments in convenience resonate with shoppers, but profits will be pressured as tariffs take their toll.

Kohl’s fires its CEO for cause: The move leaves the struggling department store without a clear strategic direction at a challenging time for all retailers.

Middle- and low-income consumers pulled back on fast food in Q1: That posed a significant challenge for McDonald’s, which reported its US same-store sales fell 3.6%.

Shoppers’ snack budgets are shrinking due to economic uncertainty: With little relief in sight, Mondelez, Kellanova, and Hershey’s are bracing for impact

Wayfair’s US sales rose 1.6% YoY in Q1: Despite growing macroeconomic headwinds and a frozen housing market, demand remained strong.

Tariffs cast a shadow over consumer spending in Q1: Growth slowed from 4.0% in Q4 to just 1.8% in Q1 as households sharply cut back on goods.

Weakening demand hits QSR same-store sales: Starbucks, Chipotle, and Pizza Hut are among the chains reporting a slowdown as consumers pull back.

Etsy expects to benefit as tariffs hit competitors: A sizable domestic seller base and growing ad business offer protection, but declining consumer and business sentiment could still sting.

Shein considers restructuring to minimize tariff, de minimis impact: But any move to shift production out of China could provoke Beijing’s ire—and derail its long-awaited IPO.

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

Amazon insists it won’t display tariff costs on products after White House backlash: Despite political heat, radical transparency may be best for retailers in an uncertain environment.

Consumers are willing to spend on travel—under the right circumstances: Cruises, premium travel, and concert tourism are all seeing healthy demand despite industry headwinds.

ChatGPT's shopping tool threatens retail media revenues: Its product search could siphon ad dollars from retailers struggling with tariffs, higher prices, and weak demand.