Adverse weather and poor crops have driven up staple costs: Coffee is up 58% over the past three years, and cocoa soared 316%—with tariffs further compounding price pressures.
Amazon breaks its silence on grocery business: CEO Andy Jassy is “very bullish” about retailer’s prospects as more customers stock up on everyday essentials.
Though beauty has remained a relatively resilient category amid rising prices, tariffs could put a damper on that as they take hold. 29% of US adults say they’ll likely cut back on beauty/personal care spending if tariffs raise prices, according to February 2025 data from CivicScience. That’s why retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target are boosting their beauty offerings to drive sales and increase customer loyalty. Here’s how.
US sales of private label grocery brands grew 3.9% in 2024, outpacing the 1.0% growth of national brands, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA).
Drivers overwhelmingly prefer voice assistants over drive-thrus, presenting a ripe opportunity for restaurants to cash in on convenience and curbside cravings.
US-UK trade deal eases barriers across key sectors: Our FAQ explains how the pact may benefit exporters and affect economic growth.
Ad costs per click show changing consumer priorities: Retail media ad costs rose the sharpest in 2024 for the health category, which could resonate in a market disrupted by tariffs.
Instacart has launched a new standalone app, Fizz, to help groups plan, purchase, and pay for party snacks and drinks.
Drunk Elephant’s sales plunge as Gen Alpha appeal dims: The brand’s reliance on the fickle audience has damaged its standing with older consumers.
Starbucks’ dominance is under threat as Dutch Bros’ growth surges: The coffee giant is struggling to stem a sales slump as the latter’s colorful drinks and service win it more customers.
Consumers pulled back on dining out in Q1: Restaurant Brands faced headwinds but saw an April rebound, while Krispy Kreme is changing course to regain momentum.
SNAP rollbacks could shrink grocery baskets and curb discretionary spend: With household spending already under strain, further benefit cuts risk triggering a broader pullback in consumer demand.
Food delivery platforms are in expansion mode: DoorDash, Uber, Instacart, and Wonder are turning to acquisitions and new markets to maintain their momentum.
In April, Walmart led the retail rankings thanks to its advanced grid-based delivery system and an elevated in-store beauty experience. Amazon followed closely with the testing of a new AI-powered “Buy For Me” feature designed to simplify purchases. Meanwhile, Temu and Shein adjusted their pricing strategies due to rising import costs, risking their low-price appeal. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our “Behind the Numbers” podcast.
Consumers stick with Instacart amid uncertainty: The delivery platform’s orders jumped 14% in Q1 thanks to its Uber partnership and a lower minimum for Instacart+ members.
Private label sales growth outpaced national brands last year: Consumers' growing appetite for value is driving grocers to elevate their brands to compete against established names.
Whether brands are aligning their product with comfort food, launching fragrances, or prioritizing scent in their retail spaces, marketers are embracing multisensory experiences as another way to stand out in the digital noise.
Middle- and low-income consumers pulled back on fast food in Q1: That posed a significant challenge for McDonald’s, which reported its US same-store sales fell 3.6%.
Shoppers’ snack budgets are shrinking due to economic uncertainty: With little relief in sight, Mondelez, Kellanova, and Hershey’s are bracing for impact
Weakening demand hits QSR same-store sales: Starbucks, Chipotle, and Pizza Hut are among the chains reporting a slowdown as consumers pull back.