Retail & Ecommerce

Economic uncertainty has slashed small and medium-sized business (SMB) satisfaction with their payment service providers (PSPs). This is intensifying competition between acquirers and processors, banks, fintechs, and the vendors that serve them. Providers must enhance and simplify access to cutting-edge solutions that solve key pain points—or risk losing share.

Investors can’t afford to ignore employee-related issues: Amazon, Walmart, and Kroger feel the heat to improve work conditions or else face serious violations from OSHA.

China faces a winding path to economic recovery: Despite consumer spending’s rebound, a manufacturing slowdown and high youth unemployment could preclude a full recovery this year.

Walmart wants to grow its share of the lucrative B2B ecommerce market: The retailer is following Amazon’s lead in search of high-margin revenues to bolster flagging profits.

More rapid grocery consolidation could be on the way: German startup Flink is in talks to be acquired by Getir, despite the latter’s sinking valuation.

The US online resale market is back on the rise this year, following a 6.6% decrease in 2022, according to our forecast. The trend shows no signs of slowing down over the next few years, with ecommerce resale volume surpassing $100 billion in 2026.

Trader Joe’s small, curated stores and limited footprint sets it apart. Between its branding, product choice, and customer experience, there are a lot of lessons other retailers beyond grocery can learn from the Trader Joe’s model. Here are four takeaways from Trader Joe’s.

Will Stripe, Chime, or Plaid price an IPO? The market is on track to improve into a healthier year, but it’s hard to find a big deal in fintech to look forward to.

Resilient consumer spending was a bright spot for Mastercard, but higher costs squeezed profits in Q1.

Pinterest beats analyst expectations, but faces greater costs and large net loss: Can the platform spend to grow during times of relative austerity?

Pinterest partners with Amazon to attract more advertisers and improve shopability: The move allows the social media platform to benefit from booming retail media demand, while growing Amazon Ads’ reach and inventory.

Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach a record $35.7 billion this year: Consumers plan to splash out on jewelry, electronics, and experiences, with more shoppers venturing back to stores. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)

Cutting costs is the least of Gap’s problems: The retailer’s plans to lay off 1,800 employees may not be enough to revitalize growth as its relevance wanes.

Economic uncertainty is making it hard for some to keep up: Prolonged inflation, financial stress, and rising debt are making for a challenging environment.

Fintechs are better off cutting costs and scaling back expansion plans until the finance climate improves.

The IMF is pushing for global regulations, Coinbase is angry, and pan-European crypto rules are coming.

Launching a white-label mobile BNPL solution reinforces its push into installments as a service.

New features that meet business' needs could improve satisfaction, tighten loyalty, and grow business.