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.
Albertsons struggles to fend off competition from mass merchants and club retailers: The grocer is leaning on promotions, private labels, and its pharmacy business to attract value-focused shoppers.
Tariffs will have a wide ranging impact on prices, consumer sentiment: Warehouse clubs, off-price retailers, and discount grocers could have an edge in this challenging retail environment.
Constellation Brands imports all of its beer from Mexico: That puts the Modelo parent in a challenging position in wake of US tariffs on imported canned beer and empty aluminum cans.
Consumers are eating at home more often: Cooking is on the rise as shoppers look to save.
E.l.f. Beauty has built its brand on democratizing access to beauty products by maintaining affordability in an increasingly expensive market, as well as creating a company culture that values diversity and disruption. This prioritization of diversity stands out as other brands like Target and Walmart roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The Ulta and Target partnership may not last: Ulta is pausing its expansion of Target shop-in-shops this year as it looks to “unlock value” from its existing locations.
Hershey sees LesserEvil as the greater good in healthier snacking: The consumer packaged goods giant is buying the snack brand as part of its push to diversify its offerings.