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.
Domino’s customers pulled back on delivery to save money: Consumers’ focus on cost is unlikely to ease anytime soon, especially with new tariffs expected to push everyday prices even higher.
Chipotle sees pullback in spending tied to consumer unease: Despite those challenges, McDonald’s and Sonic have both found recent success with limited-time promotions.
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.
Food companies look to profit from consumers’ protein fixation: Demand for healthier products—and pressure from the MAHA movement—is pushing manufacturers to embrace “better for you” options.
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.
JD.com challenges Meituan’s food delivery dominance: The Chinese ecommerce giant will hire 100,000 workers to help break the latter’s hold on the industry.
Walmart announces lengthy beauty sale as it looks to protect its advantage: The retailer is expanding its assortment and refining the in-store experience to appeal to a wider variety of shoppers.
Global gains power L’Oréal past expectations as US market cools: CEO Nicolas Hieronimus flagged slowing beauty demand and US retailer constraints but noted the brand is well positioned to handle tariff-driven disruptions.
Tariffs imperil beauty industry just as post-pandemic boom slows: Costs are expected to spike as duties hit key imports, leaving brands scrambling to maintain sales without alienating price-conscious buyers.
Retailers are feeling the ripple effects of new tariffs as consumers brace for higher prices. While some shoppers accept the trade-off, many are already adjusting their habits—from cutting back on fast food to seeking out deals. To stay competitive, brands must focus on value, transparency, and smart messaging. Here are five key stats on how tariffs are shaking things up.