Retail & Ecommerce

The toy category seems to be immune from the struggles others are facing amid inflation, making it a perfect time for Toys R Us to stage a comeback.

Around the world, some 60% of consumer interactions with companies take place online. This figure has risen significantly since the onset of the pandemic, up from about 40% in 2019.

On today's episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss TikTok's available shopping features, its advertising versus commerce priorities, and what brands should be doing on the platform. Then for "Pop-Up Rankings," we rank the top four TikTok communities driving commerce right now. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Sky Canaves and Jasmine Enberg.

Hasbro and Mattel are optimistic about the future: The resiliency of the toy category coupled with strong IP properties should keep both companies in the green, even in the event of a recession.

Uber steps up its grocery game as Instacart struggles: The company is revamping its grocery service to be more convenient and easier to use.

FedEx contractors are getting more vocal about the challenges they face: The logistics provider has thus far resisted calls for higher pay and fuel surcharges, but widespread discontent could require a change in approach.

Amazon used Prime Day to grow its ad business: Amazon heavily pushed its ad platform to merchants ahead of the sales event.

To reduce screen time, consumers are turning to the past for other entertainment mediums. Retailers, take note, as what’s old is new again.

Stores are Target’s not-so-secret weapon: The retailer adds three new sortation centers to bolster its ecommerce strategy of using stores to handle online orders.

Macy’s, Nordstrom bet on smaller stores as shoppers move away from malls: Department stores are taking a localized approach to reach more consumers and speed up fulfillment.