Consumer Trends
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Trade war puts US on ‘precipice’ of recession: Moody’s chief economist
The U.S. economy will likely begin to shrink “unless policy takes a very sharp turn here pretty quickly,” Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi said.
By Jim Tyson • April 18, 2025 -
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Trade war set to impact electronics, other discretionary products hardest
Small and medium-sized brands are poised to bear the negative brunt of increased tariffs on imports to the U.S., according to a new PitchBook report.
By Dani James • April 16, 2025 -
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TrendlineHow artificial intelligence is shaping retail
More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.
By Retail Dive staff -
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How retailers are connecting with younger shoppers
From Sephora embracing its status as a Gen Alpha “playground” to Coach’s Gen Z-focused store concept, retailers are leaning in.
By Cara Salpini • April 16, 2025 -
Moody’s downgrades retail’s outlook on ‘bleak’ prospects amid trade war
Apparel and footwear are especially vulnerable and off-price less so, though the impact of tariffs is industrywide, Moody’s Ratings analysts said Monday.
By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2025 -
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As beauty continues to grow, TikTok Shop and Amazon will gain share
That comes at the expense of drugstores, department stores, mass merchandisers and even specialty beauty retailers, per TD Cowen.
By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 15, 2025 -
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Nike is still winning the teen market
The athletics brand ranked top for apparel and footwear, while beauty spending reached its highest ever, according to Piper Sandler's latest report.
By Xanayra Marin-Lopez • April 14, 2025 -
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Trump excludes some electronics from reciprocal tariffs
Smartphones and electronic integrated circuits now qualify for the “semiconductor” exemption, but officials say sector-specific duties are coming.
By Edwin Lopez • April 14, 2025 -
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Consumer sentiment plummets, inflation expectations soar amid trade war
“There’s been a sharp decline in consumer sentiment, and business sentiment measures have weakened too,” New York Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams said.
By Jim Tyson • April 14, 2025 -
Catherine Douglas Moran/Retail Dive
Tariffs are the latest test of beleaguered US consumers
Before the expansive levies were announced, spending power was already weakened by high prices and rising debt, among other forces, analysts say.
By Daphne Howland • April 8, 2025 -
Dani James/Retail Dive
Deep DiveThe enduring appeal of pens and paper in a digital era
Analog forms of communication are far from dead. U.S. indie brands are capitalizing on a dedicated customer base that has had to look abroad for special stationery goods.
By Dani James • April 7, 2025 -
Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
ColumnThe Weekly Closeout: Hudson’s Bay hunts for a buyer and tariffs hit apparel hard
The department store is soliciting offers for part or all of its business. Meanwhile, one analyst said new tariffs put “all 2025 guidance at risk.”
By Retail Dive Staff • April 4, 2025 -
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Deep DiveFashion industry reacts to sweeping tariff changes
Experts say the new policies are likely to raise prices and weaken consumer confidence, and are unlikely to bring U.S. manufacturing back.
By Lara Ewen • April 4, 2025 -
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NRF expects ‘slower trajectory for consumer spending’ in 2025 as tariffs fuel uncertainty, inflation fears
Retail sales could grow 3.7% at best — or well under 3% — as many consumers reach the limits of their spending power, the trade group said.
By Daphne Howland • April 3, 2025 -
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Trump installs 10% baseline tariff, country-specific duties
The president said he will levy import taxes on China, Japan and others equal to half of what they charge the U.S. based on White House calculations.
By Philip Neuffer • April 3, 2025 -
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Retail leaders sound off on AI’s use-cases
From Toys R Us’ experimentation with video to Meta’s new ad capabilities, here’s how the tech is being used across the industry.
By Cara Salpini • April 2, 2025 -
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Consumer spending during Q1 to shrink for first time since pandemic
“Stockpiling ahead of potential tariff implementation on a wide range of consumer goods could lead to a pullback in goods spending later this year,” the Conference Board said.
By Jim Tyson • April 1, 2025 -
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A look back on COVID-19’s impact on retail
The pandemic has had lasting effects on the industry, including altering operations and resetting consumer expectations.
By Retail Dive Staff • March 31, 2025 -
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Consumers are buying more from generative AI’s suggestions: Adobe
A report highlighted that using generative AI tools for shopping leads customers to more purchases in electronics and jewelry.
By Xanayra Marin-Lopez • March 27, 2025 -
Courtesy of Levi's
Levi’s CEO: ‘If the wallet’s tighter, then we have to work harder’
Pickier shoppers just means higher execution is needed from the denim brand, Michelle Gass said. But a little help from Beyoncé never hurts.
By Cara Salpini • March 27, 2025 -
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Consumer expectations for future plunge to 12-year low on tariff anxiety
Pessimism about price pressures rose, with expectations for inflation in 12 months increasing to 6.2% this month from 5.8% in February, the Conference Board said.
By Jim Tyson • March 25, 2025 -
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Gen Alpha tweens hold significant sway over parents’ purchases: study
Gen Alpha is emerging as a luxury-focused generation, with 68% owning a luxury product by the age of 10.
By Sara Karlovitch • March 25, 2025 -
Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
5 years after pandemic lockdowns, is retail back to normal?
Stores are open, inventory is flowing and inflation is down. But today’s uncertainty and destabilization are making consumers anxious.
By Daphne Howland • March 24, 2025 -
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Target adds 2,000 products to baby assortment
The revamp is the latest over the last year as the retailer focuses on newness to grow share across its merchandising portfolio.
By Nate Delesline III • March 21, 2025 -
Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
Walmart expands premium beauty options
The retail giant also announced the four brands that will participate in its third beauty accelerator program, Walmart Start.
By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2025 -
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Resale’s popularity in the US could offer hedge against tariffs
ThredUp’s chief strategy officer says preowned clothing sales are “effectively domesticating the supply chain.”
By Lara Ewen • March 21, 2025
