DoorDash makes $3.6 billion bid for Deliveroo despite global economic uncertainty: The delivery company hopes to broaden its international reach at a time when consumers are cutting restaurant spend.

M&A activity in the marcom space fell 37% in 2024: The decline shows a field in peril—but preparing for a rebound promises success.

President Donald Trump’s shifting stance on tariffs has created a volatile environment for both consumers and retailers. With some Chinese goods facing tariffs as high as 245% and a blanket 10% on most imports, the market is seeing rapid shifts in consumer behavior, supply chains, and strategic planning.

Amazon sellers rethink Prime Day participation: With tariffs wreaking havoc on their profits and ability to plan, merchants expect to reduce discounts or skip this year’s sale entirely.

Meta axes VR jobs as Reality Labs flounders: Over 100 workers, including staff behind the “Supernatural” fitness app, were cut as the firm pivots away from costly metaverse efforts.

Low-cost online marketplaces like Temu and Shein have surged in popularity across the US in recent years, and starting today, both retailers have enacted price hikes due to rising import costs As of January 2025, 44% of US adults have shopped on Temu, while 31% have purchased from Shein, according to data from Morning Consult. Competitive pricing is a key draw for consumers.

US ecommerce sales will be hit hard by tariffs: Many online platforms’ advantages could disappear as prices rise, inventory runs dry, and delivery times slow.

WPP Q1 revenues decline 5% YoY: Another disappointing quarter could spell trouble ahead for the company if it doesn’t enhance its value proposition.

Walmart promises support for tariff-hit Chinese manufacturers: The retailer will help suppliers get in front of domestic shoppers as it tries to stay on Beijing’s good side.

Tariffs wreak havoc on travel demand: Airlines say demand for domestic travel has fallen off a cliff as more consumers opt to stay home amid uncertainty.

Google’s core businesses remain strong in Q1: Browser scrutiny and AI search shifts could test the foundation of its power

Big Pharma earnings don’t feel the impact of Trump's current tariffs—yet: Several large pharmas kept yearly financial guidance in place during Q1 earnings calls, highlighting how they’re absorbing current tariff costs. However, major business disruptions will take effect once Trump’s threat of 25% or more pharma tariffs lands.

Tariff-related price hikes are coming, CPGs warn: P&G, Keurig Dr Pepper, and Nestlé are among the companies planning to raise prices to offset cost increases.

With device price hikes looming, carriers are betting on their service-first models but may need to fight harder to retain cost-conscious customers.

Wealthier consumers are trading down: This could favor retailers that blend value and premium offerings with tailored merchandising and pricing.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss (now that tariffs are here), how they’re impacting consumer behavior, some unexpected outcomes, and the numbers that will guide retailers in the months ahead. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Analyst Rachel Wolff and Senior Analyst Zak Stambor.

Tesla struggles to keep up as production challenges, Musk controversy hurt sales: The company is in a difficult spot as tariffs threaten to curb demand further and jack up production costs.

Kimberly-Clark forecasts $300 million hit from tariffs: But the company will not pass the cost onto consumers as it looks to maintain volume growth in a difficult environment.

Planning for the holidays may be harder this year as tariffs cast a shadow over both consumers and retailers. “As of right now, we’re seeing a lot of unusual consumer behavior that’s likely to persist as long as tariff uncertainty persists,” said our analyst Sky Canaves, author of our “US Holiday 2024 Recap and 2025 Preview” report. Still, there are steps retailers can take to prepare. Here are three key strategies to help navigate a challenging holiday season.