Retail genAI use is skyrocketing: Retailers are wielding the tech to improve productivity and the customer experience while shoppers rely on genAI to uncover deals and product recommendations.

Temu and Shein won over cost-conscious shoppers in 2024: But regulatory concerns over tax loopholes, product safety, and labor practices could weigh on growth in 2025.

Consumers focused on value in 2024: Retailers and brands like Aldi, e.l.f. Beauty, Temu, and Walmart benefited from consumers' growing cost consciousness.

TikTok is driving social commerce sales and buyer growth: The platform’s popularity and influence with Gen Zers contributed to its 2024 successes. We look at how that could change in 2025.

Private labels gather steam: Consumers are buying more private label products than they were a year ago—seeing them as being on par with name brands.

Zac Posen is putting his stamp on Gap: The retailer’s creative director launched GapStudio, a new line featuring elevated pieces that will appear in stores and online in spring.

November retail sales surge past expectations: Shoppers shifted their spending up a gear amid a flurry of deals and concerns over tariff-related price hikes.

Amazon, Starbucks workers threaten strikes as the labor movement loses steam: But mixed signals from Trump could raise unions' hopes as they fight for concessions.

Walmart looks to accelerate its ecommerce business in China: Working with Chinese delivery app Meituan should boost the retailer’s visibility and sales.

Chinese consumers kept a tight lid on spending in November: Retail sales fell short of expectations despite Singles Day promotions, pushing Beijing to promise stronger stimulus.

QSRs may need to evolve to better serve online orders: Pizza Hut and McDonald’s are both testing new store formats focused on digital and drive-thru customers.

Amazon working conditions are back in the spotlight: A potential strike looms, and a Senate investigation found the retailer manipulates workplace injury data.

Temu, Shein, and TikTok Shop are winning this holiday season: Sales growth for all three outpaced larger players like Amazon and Target in November.

Return fraud is accelerating: That's forcing retailers to evolve beyond traditional prevention methods.

The FTC’s case against Southern Glazer’s could have profound implications for large retailers like Walmart and Costco: A successful suit could limit their ability to negotiate lower prices with suppliers, narrowing their advantage over smaller retailers.

RH expects Q4 revenues to grow 18% to 20% YoY as furniture industry turns a corner: The retailer’s brand-elevation efforts and hospitality concepts are also resonating with shoppers.

US retailers have closed more than 7,100 stores this year: That’s up 69% YoY, and more are coming as retailers like Macy’s and Advance Auto Parts struggle to convince cautious consumers to spend.

UK budget spells trouble for retailers, warns Currys: The electronics chain says tax hikes will push costs onto consumers and limit its ability to hire more workers.

Lowe’s has a blueprint to drive long-term growth: The home improvement retailer plans to expand its physical footprint and lean on a marketplace to broaden its online product assortment.

Mall traffic jumped in November as shoppers’ search for deals brought them back to stores: Efforts to turn shopping centers into lifestyle destinations are also resonating, but long-term challenges remain.