Retailers announced over 45,000 job cuts in January and February: Most resulted from bankruptcies, but the uncertain environment could drive more companies to cut costs.

Macy’s makes strides in Q4, but pressures persist: Revamped stores show improvement, but the company’s turnaround is a work in progress.

Modelo’s college basketball ad spend grows 48%: The investment highlights the lucrative opportunity of advertising during live sporting events.

The US does $2.18 trillion in cross-border trade (both imports and exports) with its top three biggest partners—Mexico, Canada, and China—according to the US Census Bureau.

Abercrombie & Fitch sees slowdown looming as tariffs take effect: The retailer expects sales growth and profits to be seriously pressured in 2025.

40-day boycott makes Target a target: The company is already dealing with fallout from February’s economic blackout, and another boycott could spell trouble.

On Running’s marathon win streak continues in Q4: The buzzy running brand reported record profits and a 36% YoY jump in sales, with some help from Roger Federer and Zendaya.

Target looks to add $15 billion in sales by 2030: However, 2025 is shaping up to be a tough year, as tariffs dampen discretionary demand and shoppers push back against its DEI policies.

Canadian consumers boycott American products as tariff threat looms: Anti-US sentiment is pushing consumers to buy local—a trend likely to continue in countries targeted by Trump’s tariffs.

US President Donald Trump’s shifting trade policies will have ramifications for US brands that do business with Latin America. This FAQ addresses the most pressing questions for companies as they navigate new tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and the potential rise of new competitors.

This week, small businesses express concerns about President Trump’s policies, private label brands gain traction, and Gen Z embraces AI for shopping. Meanwhile, TikTok music influences purchases, and excessive advertising drives cart abandonment.

Chinese retailers continue to see the US as an expansion opportunity: But they face higher barriers to entry, including the need for a fully diversified supply chain.

As their clients await the impacts of tariffs, banks set aside money for losses.

The challenging retail environment is fuel for TJX: The off-price retailer sees greater opportunities to attract shoppers amid tariff threats and declining consumer confidence.

Shein is in trouble: The fast-fashion marketplace’s profits fell nearly 40% in 2024, even without the impact of de minimis changes and higher US tariffs.

Tariffs threaten Canada’s retail sales recovery: Confidence is falling as consumers brace for higher prices and economic upheaval.

This week, consumers are concerned about tariffs but continue shopping via mobile and on low-price retailers associated with China. Consumers are also less focused on fast delivery and flocking to Google for reviews.

Walmart ended 2024 on a high note: But 2025 could tell a different story, with tariff uncertainty and economic volatility on the horizon.

Latin America’s digital revolution is marching full steam ahead, with consumers spending more than a third of their day online. As social commerce and retail media propel the region’s digital economy to new heights, the runway for growth remains long.​

A lot happens in a week, so every Friday we're going to analyze all the new data and provide you with some of the key takeaways. Welcome to the Friday 5. This week, Temu and Shein get a scare, consumers use buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps to discover new products, and Super Bowl viewers don’t really care about ads for AI products or services.