Retail returns will top $1 trillion in 2025: But growth will slow as retailers impose stricter policies, albeit at the risk of hurting sales.

Tom Holland’s Bero brand is now in 1,400 Target stores: The nonalcoholic beer aims to chart a course similar to the success of celebrity-driven spirits brands.

Logistics and the supply chain will take center stage this year: While a port strike may be off the table, rising costs and geopolitical tensions will force retailers to make hard choices.

Amazon will begin selling its ad tech to third-party retailers: The new Amazon Retail Ad Service will give companies access to the retailer’s advanced targeting and sizable advertiser network.

JCPenney joins forces with Aeropostale’s owner to form Catalyst Brands: The new company aims to tap into its vast pool of customer data to cross-sell across its portfolio.

Tariffs will upend the status quo: Retailers need to brace themselves for a new era of protectionist trade policies that drive up costs and eat into consumers’ spending power.

Marks & Spencer, Tesco flag challenges as UK economy weakens: Confidence is slumping due to concerns over tax hikes and sluggish consumer demand.

Albertsons looks ahead: With the proposed Kroger merger in the rearview mirror, the grocer raised its annual profit forecast and mapped out its growth plans.

Instacart announces slew of partnerships to combat slowing growth: The delivery platform is adding new retail partners and expanding its ad reach.

QSRs resume the value wars in 2025: McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s are among the many fast-food chains leaning on deals to drive traffic.

Trump’s tariff threats create stress and uncertainty: “Nothing is off the table” when it comes to the shape, structure, or form of tariffs, which makes planning for them difficult.

Retailers ended 2024 on a high: Holiday ecommerce sales surged by nearly 9% YoY as steep discounts and tariff fears spurred spending.

UK retail sales grew 3.2% YoY in December: Even with a late surge, sales rose just 0.7% YoY in 2024.

Serve Robotics stockpiles cash ahead of planned expansion: The company aims to have 2,000 delivery robots on the streets by 2025’s end.

TikTok Shop plans to launch in Mexico next month: The move suggests the company is unfazed by the potential US ban.

Costco defends DEI policies amid right-wing backlash: The retailer noted the importance of diversity to its business while questioning activist investors’ motivations.

India’s government considers new subsidies, reduced tariffs to boost local production: The measures will make the country more attractive to manufacturers looking for China alternatives.

“Underconsumption core” trends on TikTok: 3 in 5 Gen Zers are following the trend, leading many to cut back on online shopping.

Trump is reportedly scaling back tariff plans: While he may not implement a 20% tariff on everything imported into the US, the still-vague plans are already having ripple effects.

Washington will have an outsized influence on what consumers eat this year: A new surgeon general’s warning, growing trade wars, and a crackdown on processed food could shift consumption patterns.