Trump is reportedly scaling back tariff plans: While he may not implement a 20% tariff on everything imported into the US, the still-vague plans are already having ripple effects.
“Underconsumption core” trends on TikTok: 3 in 5 Gen Zers are following the trend, leading many to cut back on online shopping.
Costco defends DEI policies amid right-wing backlash: The retailer noted the importance of diversity to its business while questioning activist investors’ motivations.
3 2024 retail misconceptions: Retail media, QR codes, and microcommunities Brands and retailers got a lot right in 2024. Commerce media expanded further into non-retail channels like payments and travel. Brands found their own voices on TikTok. And in-person events helped drive traffic to stores. But the year also came with a number of lessons for retail. Here are three misconceptions retail experts noticed in 2024, and how brands can get them right in the 12 months ahead.
Sezzle faces an uphill battle competing against larger players like Affirm and Klarna
Amazon isn’t taking Temu’s attempt to lure its sellers lightly: The retailer is offering China-based merchants incentives to drop Temu listings, an approach that led Anker to pull its products.
The tie-up will bring the BNPL provider to a bevy of merchants’ checkout pages—whether they like it or not
Credit card issuers can steal share from debit cards by expanding grocery-focused rewards and promoting budgeting tools
Later acquires Mavely for $250 million: The deal integrates influencer monetization tools, enhancing measurable ROI and full-funnel marketing capabilities.
The auto industry ended 2024 on a high: Sales accelerated in Q4 as consumers rushed to take advantage of EV tax credits and avoid tariffs.
Washington will have an outsized influence on what consumers eat this year: A new surgeon general’s warning, growing trade wars, and a crackdown on processed food could shift consumption patterns.
China takes baby steps to address its consumption problem: Beijing will expand its trade-in program to include consumer electronics as it avoids committing to comprehensive stimulus measures.
Is bad content a solved problem? Businesses must leverage AI efficiency to create valuable, unique insights and maintain audience trust, argues HubSpot exec.
Interest rate cuts could help heading into 2025, but consumer financial health remains on shaky ground
While the lawsuit may not go anywhere under Trump’s CFPB, the P2P platform’s continual fraud concerns may damage its reputation
The deal highlights providers’ efforts to keep up with the growing demand for EWA
China’s economy faces more gloom in 2025: Sluggish consumer spending and a potential trade war will weigh on growth.
Dockworkers, port operators return to negotiating table as January 15 deadline looms: But clashing views on automation could scupper talks and trigger a costly—and disruptive—strike.
While our analysts have shared their major trends for the year ahead, the newsletter team has a few additional thoughts. In 2025, we think retailers will focus on personalized in-store experiences and technology to boost foot traffic and engagement while Amazon brings its AI assistant, Rufus, to brick-and-mortar locations. Discount retailers will struggle to retain customers, leading them to diversify or launch marketplaces to stay competitive.
Lidl delivered its most successful UK Christmas season on record: The discount grocer’s revenues rose 7% in the four weeks leading up to Christmas.