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.
Mercado Libre will grow its headcount by 33% this year to solidify Latin America ecommerce dominance: The company looks to strengthen its business in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina—its three largest markets.
Consumer spending surged in March: But the rapid decline in consumer sentiment and likely surge in inflation is sure to slow that momentum in the coming months.
California sues to stop tariffs as legal challenges pile up: The state is arguing that Trump lacks the authority to implement the duties, which will cause significant harm to its economy.
Retail sales in China in March grew 5.9%: Government subsidies drove the fastest growth since December 2023, but the escalating US‑China trade war is likely to curb spending in the months ahead.
Temu pulls its Google Shopping ads: The escalating US-China trade war puts the company’s business model at risk and threatens ad giants like Meta and Google.
The issuers are taking a wait-and-see approach to gauge how Trump’s tariffs will play out
Even so, issuers may be slow to lift preemptive APR increases as they brace for economic turbulence
The card network is positioning itself at the forefront of the crypto payments space, centered on stablecoins
Vizio boosts Walmart’s retail media edge: New beta program brings exclusive connected TV inventory under Walmart’s direct control.
Online resale merchandise value will reach $40 billion in the US by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13%, according to March data from thredUP.
Anxiety around inflation, a deteriorating labor market, and trade war consequences have deepened consumer uncertainty about the US economy, with wide-ranging implications for retail.
Lowe’s agreed to buy Artisan Design Group for $1.33 billion: The move should enhance the home improvement retailer’s market position when the housing sector rebounds.
International boycotts of US brands and travel could cost the economy up to $90 billion: Rising anti-American sentiment caused by Trump’s policies is making it harder for companies to operate at home and abroad.
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.
Over a third of adults in the region don’t have a bank account. Only the Middle East and Africa has a larger proportion of unbanked consumers, per 2021 World Bank data analyzed by BCG. And the unbanked population is unevenly distributed: Just 59% of low-income consumers and 40% of rural inhabitants in Latin America have access to a banking account, per a January 2023 Mastercard and Americas Market Intelligence (AMI) survey.
Foot traffic to Target declined for the tenth straight week, according to Placer.ai. Visits to Target fell 7.9% the week of March 31, per the latest data. Walmart’s foot traffic has also fallen for 10 consecutive weeks, while visits to Best Buy are down from a slight rise in mid-March.
No matter when or how they land, President Donald Trump’s tariffs will shake up retail and digital media.
Companies waste no time hiking prices: The cost of everything from coffee to video game consoles to sexual wellness products is going up, which will prompt shifts in consumer spending habits.