Consumer Trends

Brick and mortar's next chapter

The pandemic is forcing retailers to finally define just what their stores are for.

By Daphne Howland • June 01, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Ben & Jerry's new drop is out of this world

The ice cream brand this week unveiled a new flavor, Boots on the Moooo'n, to coincide with the release of the Netflix comedy, "Space Force."

By Caroline Jansen • May 29, 2020

The incredible shrinking department store

The COVID-19 pandemic has made certain that the century-old retail model will never be the same. Which ones survive, and what will they look like?

By Daphne Howland • May 28, 2020

Walmart joins long line of retailers partnering with resale site ThredUp

The retail giant is selling the secondhand goods only online but will take returns in stores.

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2020

Financial anxiety persists as health concerns ease

More U.S. consumers feel safe going to the store, and are spending on wants as well as needs. But many also worry about losing their jobs, Deloitte found.

By Daphne Howland • May 26, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Chipotle, American Eagle reimagine Prom night

To coincide with a prom afterparty, the fast-casual chain teamed up with cosmetics brand E.l.f to release a makeup line inspired by its burrito.

By Caroline Jansen • May 22, 2020

Sponsored by Neustar

Now is the time for retailers to get consumer data right

Now is the time to implement a strategy that ensures that customer information on file is consolidated, complete, and dynamically updated.

By Dave Krasinski • May 19, 2020

Adobe: COVID-19 spurs spike in e-commerce

Buy online, pick up in-store orders have dramatically increased and online apparel and electronic sales have gone up, according to a recent analysis. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 15, 2020

Apparel faces post-pandemic decline even as stores reopen

While there's evidence of pent-up demand, a shift to e-commerce and wary consumers will hurt revenue and margins, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • May 14, 2020

After COVID-19, is curbside delivery here to stay?

The need for contactless fulfillment is spurring retailers of all sizes and categories to pursue new pickup options that could last.

By Caroline Jansen • May 14, 2020

And the malls come tumbling down

A lot of shopping centers have been on the decline for years. The pandemic will prevent some from ever recovering.

By Daphne Howland • May 07, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Mattel turns real-life heroes into action figures

The collection includes nurses, doctors, EMTs, delivery drivers and grocery workers, and net proceeds will be donated to help healthcare professionals.

By Caroline Jansen • May 01, 2020

NRF, RILA create 'Blueprint' to reopen stores

The plan announced by the two industry groups builds off safety protocols established by essential industries.

By Sheryl Estrada • April 29, 2020

Sponsored by Lightspeed

How Editorial Boutique launched a thriving eCom store overnight

The era of COVID-19 is a time of reinvention for many retailers, all quickly trying to pivot and leverage the resources and tools they need to survive shutdowns and social distancing measures.

Soul of discretion: What's selling in the COVID-19 pandemic?

After stocking up on essentials, consumers have begun targeted discretionary spending. What have they deemed worth buying during a quarantine?

By Lara Ewen • April 27, 2020

Consumers still care about sustainability amid pandemic, report finds

Nearly half of consumers surveyed say the outbreak has made them more concerned about the environment, according to consulting firm Kearney.

By Jessi Devenyns • April 27, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Popeyes goes back to its roots with latest merch drop

The fast-food chain, which got its start in Louisiana, created fresh merch and a new menu item aimed at helping the community of New Orleans.

By Caroline Jansen • April 24, 2020

Sponsored by Neustar

Authentication underpins ability to serve consumer behavior shaped by COVID-19

Merchants that use digital authentication as an opportunity to improve the buyer’s journey will be rewarded with happier and more loyal customers.

By David Krasinski • April 23, 2020

Pet retailers see a boost during the pandemic

The industry is taking a hit with most stores temporarily closed due to the coronavirus. But consumers are still spending on their pets.

By Caroline Jansen • April 21, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Busch is giving away the ultimate wedding gift

The Anheuser-Busch beer maker is giving away a year's worth of beer to 250 couples who have had to adjust plans for their big day due to the pandemic.

By Caroline Jansen • April 17, 2020

Amazon continues to gain share in apparel

The e-commerce giant is making strides in the category, but can't shake customer perceptions of it as a discounter, per a Coresight Research report.

By Daphne Howland • April 16, 2020

The tricky business of retail marketing in a pandemic

Even with most transactions frozen, this can be a good time to talk to customers, experts say. But retailers need to send the right message.

By Daphne Howland • April 16, 2020

What retail could look like when stores reopen

Retailers have closed their doors to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. But things might not revert back once they open again, according to experts.

By Caroline Jansen • April 15, 2020

Sponsored by Ceridian

The retail & hospitality industry and COVID-19: Prepare for the future of work

Retail expert John Orr shares how retailers can best prepare themselves for the future of work and adapt to a new normal.

By John Orr, SVP of Retail, Ceridian • April 15, 2020

Opinion

COVID-19: The ultimate stress test for retailers

The novel coronavirus is the latest reminder that companies need to plan and prepare for the unexpected, writes Gartner's Kelsie Marian.

By Kelsie Marian • April 09, 2020