Discover retail trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the industry.
Business Insights
Franchising is no longer about following someone else’s playbook. Today, entrepreneurs are diving into creative, unique, and downright quirky franchise opportunities that align with their passions and interests. From supporting new moms to catering to cat lovers, here’s a look at some of the most innovative franchises reshaping
E-commerce
Amazon has announced it will discontinue its Prime Try Before You Buy program—a subscription feature allowing members to try clothes, shoes, and accessories at home before purchasing—effective January 31, 2025. The move, confirmed by a notice on Amazon’s website, comes as part of CEO Andy Jassy’s
Business Insights
Shein, the fast-fashion giant known for its ultra-cheap clothing and rapid production cycles, is once again making headlines as it pushes forward with plans for an initial public offering (IPO). The company is targeting the London Stock Exchange (LSE) for its debut, potentially as early as April. This marks a
Business Insights
Italy’s iconic luxury house Prada is reportedly among potential suitors for Versace, the famed fashion brand owned by struggling Capri Holdings. According to sources, Prada has partnered with Citi to explore a possible bid, a move that could reshape the luxury landscape amid a volatile market. The Context Capri
Retail
Macy’s has announced plans to close 66 "non-go-forward" store locations as part of its ongoing strategy to adapt to changing consumer habits and a challenging retail industry. The move comes as the department store giant grapples with declining sales, increased competition, and the broader shift toward online
Customer Service
The old saying, “The customer is always right,” has a fatal flaw—it assumes all customers are worth keeping. In reality, some customers are costing you more than they’re worth. Ignoring this hard truth can derail your business. The Warning Signs of Expensive Customers Imagine getting a red-alert email
E-commerce
Artificial intelligence played a pivotal role in boosting online holiday sales during the 2024 season, according to a Salesforce report. U.S. online sales climbed nearly 4% year-over-year, reaching $282 billion between November 1 and December 31, surpassing Salesforce’s initial forecast of 2% growth. Globally, AI-influenced sales surged to
Business Insights
Two titans of luxury retail have joined forces in a landmark deal that promises to reshape the industry. Saks Global has successfully completed a $2.7 billion acquisition of the Neiman Marcus Group, bringing Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman under one corporate umbrella while maintaining their distinct
Retail
In a significant win for the Biden administration, a U.S. federal judge blocked the $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, two of the nation’s largest grocery chains. The decision followed a three-week trial in Portland, Oregon, where the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) argued that the merger would
Pharmaceutical
Amazon's pharmacy business is on track to generate $2 billion in revenue this year, driven by surging customer interest in its online medication services, according to Evercore's analysis. In a recent survey conducted by Evercore, 45% of Amazon customers expressed being "extremely interested" or
Advertising
The global advertising market is poised for continued growth in 2025, but the tempo is slowing. After the post-pandemic boom, the industry appears to be settling into a steady, single-digit pace, echoing trends from the mid-2000s. Forecasts highlight regional disparities, political uncertainties, and sector-specific shifts that could reshape the market.
Business Insights
In 2007, Vizio disrupted the TV market by delivering high-quality flat-screen TVs at a fraction of the cost of competitors like Sony and Samsung. Now, Walmart’s $2.3 billion acquisition of Vizio signals a new disruption—not in hardware, but in advertising technology and data-driven consumer engagement. From Flat