Ecommerce penetration of beauty and personal care sales is rising: 41% of category sales take place on platforms like Amazon and TikTok Shop as consumers respond to virality and convenience.

Home Depot expects sales to grow 2.8% this year: While the housing market is unlikely to thaw, the home improvement retailer sees signs that consumers will stop putting off projects.

Warehouse club membership has its privileges: Strong sales show that consumers see these stores as a smart way to save as costs rise.

Target teams up with Disney on a new bedding collection: The expansion of its Pillowfort private-label line should help drive sales and brand loyalty.

Unilever is unhappy with turnaround progress: The CPG company abruptly replaced CEO Hein Schumacher as it pushes for a faster recovery.

Prosus to buy Just Eat Takeaway for $4.3 billion: The firm plans to reuse the playbook that drove growth at its Brazilian food delivery company iFood.

Domino’s US same-store sales rose 0.4% in Q4: The chain’s emergency pizza promotion and other offerings weren’t enough to convince cost-conscious consumers to bite.

Shein is in trouble: The fast-fashion marketplace’s profits fell nearly 40% in 2024, even without the impact of de minimis changes and higher US tariffs.

Starbucks to lay off 1,100 workers in a bid for efficiency: The coffee company is also reducing its menu by 30% to improve order speed and consistency.

Ikea thinks small: The retailer plans to open eight smaller-format stores this year to get closer to where its customers live and work.

Consumers are voting with their wallets: 1 in 4 has stopped shopping at their favorite stores because of politics.

Tariffs threaten Canada’s retail sales recovery: Confidence is falling as consumers brace for higher prices and economic upheaval.

Alibaba’s domestic ecommerce growth signals promise for China’s retail landscape: However, price-conscious consumers and a trade war could derail recovery.

Hasbro and Mattel are diversifying their supply chains: While that should help mitigate the effects of US tariffs, the US economic policy could still dampen demand for toys.

Walmart ended 2024 on a high note: But 2025 could tell a different story, with tariff uncertainty and economic volatility on the horizon.

Wayfair is in a tough spot: A weak housing market and economic headwinds are shifting consumers’ focus away from home furnishings.

Amazon reevaluates social commerce ambitions with Inspire shutdown: The retailer is prioritizing Rufus and shoppable partnerships with TikTok and other platforms.

Chipotle prepares for a busy burrito season: The fast-casual chain plans to hire 20,000 workers—with the help of AI—in anticipation of strong demand this spring.

President Trump plans a 25% tariff on imported vehicles: The tariffs add to the growing challenges facing consumers.

Retailers redefine themselves through M&A: Capri, Tapestry streamline their portfolios, while Wrangler owner Kontoor Brands adds Helly Hanson to strengthen outdoor and workwear segments.