TikTok tests in-app ecommerce in the US: The platform hopes its shopping initiatives will offset lower-than-expected ad revenues, and help it gain ground against Meta.

Nike and Apple eye opportunities in the metaverse: Nike is opening an online store and trading platform for digital sneakers, while Apple is reportedly working on its own virtual environment.

Physical stores remain a priority for retailers: Off-price, fast-fashion, and digitally native brands are ramping up expansion to capitalize on renewed demand for in-store shopping.

As ecommerce growth slows, Shopify hedges its bets: The ecommerce platform is enhancing its lending services, seller tools, and enterprise solutions as part of its “everything but the kitchen sink” growth strategy.

Many US companies are cutting their investments in China: The country’s COVID-related lockdowns have led many retailers and brands to shift manufacturing elsewhere to avoid disruptions.

Amazon and Walmart adopt varying tactics to juice subscriber growth: Amazon is going after college students with its beefed-up music offering while Walmart doubles down on value.

When times get tough, people turn to sweets: That’s one reason that the makers of Twinkies, Oreos, and Hershey Kisses have boosted their guidance.

Better-than-expected earnings for Etsy and eBay give retailers a glimmer of hope: But continued losses for Wayfair and Peloton show some categories have a longer, difficult road to recovery.

Thanksgiving food costs are expected to soar 13.5% this year: Walmart, Aldi, and Lidl aim to use discounts on turkey, stuffing mix, and other holiday ingredients to attract new customers.

Google makes it easier for holiday shoppers to score a deal: The search giant is helping retailers attract price-conscious consumers with new promotional labels and price comparison tools.

China’s COVID strategy continues to hurt retail sales: Estée Lauder and Canada Goose are among the high-end brands pointing to China’s policy as a reason they’re lowering their outlooks.

Malls are becoming less relevant to the overall retail landscape: While top players like Simon continue to thrive, other developers struggle to stay alive.

The store-within-a-store’ concept gains momentum: The partnerships work well when there’s clear synergy between the brands involved, such as Target and Apple.

Amazon’s Q3 earnings are a mixed bag: Strong sales and ad growth helped return the retailer to profitability, but the company’s retail business continues to lose money.

In-store retail media’s power isn’t dependent on personalization: That makes it significantly easier to deploy.

Amazon broadens advertising appeal with latest ad updates: The retailer is adding new formats and expanding the verticals that can advertise on its platform.

Shoppers in India spent enthusiastically ahead of Diwali celebrations: But the outlook for China’s biggest shopping event is much less rosy as Chinese consumers grapple with economic uncertainty.

Few CPG brands are posting strong volume growth: But price hikes and shrinkflation are helping companies like Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble generate strong earnings.

Consumers prefer to shop in-person this holiday season: Waning COVID-19 concerns and a desire to try before buying will give brick-and-mortar stores a lift this year.

Winter is coming for European retailers (both literally and figuratively): With economic conditions worsening, retail sales in the UK and throughout continental Europe are poised to slow this holiday season.