Consumers kept spending even as inflation ticked up in January: That’s likely to push the Fed to keep raising interest rates, which is why retailers have modest expectations for the year ahead.

Target is spending $100 million to expand its next-day delivery capabilities: The retailer plans to have at least six new sortation centers to make delivery cheaper, faster, and more efficient.

Barnes & Noble revamps its membership program: By adding a free tier, it aims to build customer loyalty and, at the same time, gather information about shoppers’ habits and preferences.

Consumers are trading down to private labels: Rising food prices have driven shoppers to look for less expensive alternatives. (This story was written with the assistance of GPT-3).

Over half of retailers plan to raise prices this year: But any additional profitability may be wiped out by declining consumption from cash-strapped shoppers.

Instagram is shutting down its livestream shopping business: The move is the latest sign of US shoppers' disinterest in livestream commerce.

Retailers start to test the waters of generative AI: While companies like Carrefour and Fanatics are using it to improve engagement, Amazon has concerns over data privacy.

Shopify delivered a stronger-than-expected Q4: But the company’s efforts to turn around its lackluster 2022 remain a work in progress due to the tough economic environment.

Inflation hasn’t made a dent in travel demand: Airbnb, Marriott, and United all reported strong Q4 earnings despite higher prices for airfare and lodging.

Amazon reportedly laid off about 20% of Zappos’ workforce in January: The retail giant is cutting costs at Zappos and elsewhere as it recalibrates for slower growth.

Several indicators suggest consumer spending remains strong: Consumer sentiment hit a 13-month high in February and retail sales appeared to pick up in January.

Pinterest’s shopping strategy addresses many social commerce pain points: But sluggish user growth may hinder its ability to increase its share of the market.

Consumers are trading down to value-oriented QSR brands: That trend helped Yum Brands and Subway post strong gains in Q4, while higher-priced restaurants like Chipotle disappointed.

Retail layoffs garner headlines but they’re not the full picture: The number of people working in retail continues to grow—we break it down.

Where people work and live has changed—for the long haul: Retailers and restaurants that cater to downtown office workers need to adjust to the new normal.

Amazon’s revenues rose 9% in Q4: While the company’s highly profitable retail media business continued its upward trend line, ecommerce sales fell 2% YoY.

Grocers are less willing to put up with price hikes as inflation eases: Whole Foods is the latest retailer to ask suppliers to lower prices to relieve pressure on consumers.

Buy with Prime launch could be a turning point for Shopify: The ecommerce platform raised prices and diversified its retailer appeal to protect revenues, but could still take a hit should merchants flock to its biggest rival.

Mobile’s share of ecommerce keeps growing: But ease of use and checkout speed remain barriers to sales, which could be a problem for Walmart’s Text to Shop feature.

The Chinese economy shows signs of life: While that’s good news for retailers after flat growth last year, many are adopting conservative strategies to protect their bottom lines.