Consumer Trends
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Tariff refunds: Court provides first step with liquidation order
The Court of International Trade on Wednesday directed Customs and Border Protection to remove defunct tariffs when finalizing non-liquidated entries.
By Phil Neuffer , Antone Gonsalves • March 5, 2026 -
‘Target is not an everything store’: CEO
The retailer unveiled its multiyear turnaround plan, which includes an additional $1 billion operational investment and revamps of some private labels.
By Dani James • March 4, 2026 -
Trendline
Top 5 stories from Retail Dive
From Target’s path forward under a new CEO to the retailers most vulnerable to bankruptcy, here’s a look at the stories shaping the industry.
By Retail Dive staff -
How Brooks Brothers is refreshing the oldest apparel brand in the US
Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at Catalyst Brands, details how the “Make It Yours” campaign transforms the brand’s positioning.
By Chris Kelly • March 4, 2026 -
Sponsored by Simon-Kucher
[Podcast] Decoded: The New Consumer
This podcast uncovers how AI, influencers, and shifting consumer habits are reshaping the future of retail.
By Retail Dive's studioID • March 4, 2026 -
Premium toys drive US toy market rebound
Shoppers have turned away from more affordable options in favor of toys at higher price points, according to Circana.
By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 27, 2026 -
Podcast
The Backroom: Walmart and Target are not the same
The team discusses how different the companies are, despite ushering in new executive leadership at the same time.
By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 26, 2026 -
Lowe’s cuts jobs, issues cautious guidance amid sector pressures
Despite better-than-expected revenue, CEO Marvin Ellison said “consumers are reluctant to make significant investments in their homes” right now.
By Caroline Jansen • Feb. 25, 2026 -
US e-commerce sales to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030
Though shoppers are projected to spend more online, over 70% of retail sales will still come from stores, according to a Forrester report.
By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 24, 2026 -
The fractured, fragile US consumer
There are various reasons why spending in the U.S. remains strong despite low consumer confidence, and it’s not just about having higher incomes.
By Daphne Howland • Feb. 24, 2026 -
Walmart grocery penetration reaches record-breaking 72%
This significant uptick and the overall momentum of mass retailers and dollar stores are fueled by ongoing financial insecurity among U.S. shoppers, according to a new report.
By Peyton Bigora • Feb. 23, 2026 -
Supreme Court invalidates Trump tariffs based on emergency powers
In a 6-3 decision, the court rejected President Trump's claim that a 1977 law gave him the authority to impose broad tariffs globally.
By Antone Gonsalves • Feb. 20, 2026 -
Walmart furthers gains with higher-income shoppers
The retailer released a conservative outlook as lower-income households remain stretched, with CEO John Furner saying some spend “paycheck to paycheck."
By Dani James • Feb. 19, 2026 -
Why brands need to optimize their mobile apps and websites for AI
Brands have built their digital experiences on Google’s search algorithm, but that needs to change as consumer behavior evolves, experts say.
By Michael Brady • Feb. 18, 2026 -
Sponsored by Nift
Outcomes are table stakes. How brands deliver them is the advantage.
How performance is expanding beyond transactions in commerce media
By Saket Mehta, CRO at Nift • Feb. 17, 2026 -
Column
The Weekly Closeout: Tree Hut’s Gen Alpha brand — and will Lululemon’s new training line hit?
The body care company is launching “Splash” to appeal to a younger audience, while the activewear brand is pushing past its latest leggings snafu to debut a new fabric.
By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 13, 2026 -
What December retail sales say about consumers in 2026
Shoppers are likely to keep spending, but even luxury consumers are wary.
By Daphne Howland • Feb. 12, 2026 -
Fewer consumers are shopping online on a daily basis
The number of consumers who turn to e-commerce daily has declined 12 percentage points from last year, with in-store shoppers on the rise.
By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 11, 2026 -
The latest evolution at Victoria’s Secret is an expanded T-shirt bra line
According to Victoria’s Secret Brand President Anne Stephenson, the retailer has updated craftsmanship and is leaning into products that are both comfortable and sexy.
By Dani James • Feb. 11, 2026 -
What to watch in retail in 2026
From the trajectory of the department store segment to the rise of generative AI, here’s what Retail Dive is keeping an eye on this year.
By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026 -
Column
The Weekly Closeout: Valentine’s Day spending to top $29B, Merit to raise prices
Consumers are budgeting roughly $200 on gifts for the holiday, per NRF, while the beauty brand is increasing prices on select products.
By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026 -
Private label sales set another record in 2025
Shoppers spent just under $283 billion on store-brand products last year, up 3.3% compared with 2024, the Private Label Manufacturers Association reported.
By Sam Silverstein • Jan. 26, 2026 -
Retail’s risky AI commerce bet
As retailers race to meet consumers on external AI platforms, they risk losing data and direct interaction with shoppers. Experts say disruption has only just begun.
By Dani James • Jan. 26, 2026 -
Column
The Weekly Closeout: Reebok teams with Karol G and will January storms ice out retail sales?
The activewear brand signed a multiyear deal with the Colombian artist, while analysts speculate upcoming weather could slow spending.
By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 23, 2026 -
Cautious consumers shunned big-ticket items last year
Higher tax refunds could lift discretionary spending in 2026, but the labor market is the biggest factor, according to Bank of America Institute research.
By Daphne Howland • Jan. 21, 2026 -
Sponsored by DHL
Overcoming the barriers to omnichannel by recognising that one size doesn’t fit all
Omnichannel success lies in tailoring strategies to customer needs, not relying on a one-size-fits-all approach
By Andreas Bicking, Global Head of E-commerce and Returns, DHL Supply Chain • Jan. 20, 2026