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.

Amazon isn’t taking Temu’s attempt to lure its sellers lightly: The retailer is offering China-based merchants incentives to drop Temu listings, an approach that led Anker to pull its products.

The auto industry ended 2024 on a high: Sales accelerated in Q4 as consumers rushed to take advantage of EV tax credits and avoid tariffs.

China takes baby steps to address its consumption problem: Beijing will expand its trade-in program to include consumer electronics as it avoids committing to comprehensive stimulus measures.

China’s economy faces more gloom in 2025: Sluggish consumer spending and a potential trade war will weigh on growth.

Lidl delivered its most successful UK Christmas season on record: The discount grocer’s revenues rose 7% in the four weeks leading up to Christmas.

25% tariffs on Mexican imports could shake up the struggling beer industry: Modelo owner Constellation Brand would be hit hard, while Molson Coors could seize the opportunity to grow share.