Gen Z pullback could send holiday sales down 5%: PwC

Older generations are cutting back a bit or even spending more, but these younger consumers’ budgets are down nearly a quarter, the firm found.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2025

More than half of consumers are wary of AI-powered search: Gartner

While consumers admit artificial intelligence is impacting how they search for products and services, 61% wish they could turn off AI summaries.

By Aaron Baar • Sept. 11, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of small business

Disruptions from tariffs, manufacturing and broader economic trends continue to challenge small business operations. 

By Retail Dive staff

Holiday sales could grow up to 3.4%: Deloitte

The firm predicts that sales between November and January could reach $1.62 trillion, with e-commerce sales projected to grow up to 9%.

By Howard Ruben • Sept. 10, 2025

Designer Brands continues to withhold guidance as Q2 sales, profits decline

The footwear retailer, which relies on a strong back-to-school season, emphasized sequential gains but said the macro environment remains tough.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 9, 2025

Consumer sentiment declines as price sensitivity persists

Consumers are tightening their purse strings and prioritizing essentials while cutting back on discretionary goods.

By Kristen Doerer • Sept. 8, 2025

Unemployment ticks up as tariff-related uncertainty slows hiring

This could be a one-two punch to the U.S. economy, with retail bankruptcies and store closures adding to the woes.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 8, 2025

Lululemon CEO: ‘We have become too predictable’

The retailer, facing stalled growth in the U.S., is overhauling its design and development process as it looks to bring in more newness, faster.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 5, 2025

Ulta targets wellness growth as consumers spend on beauty

The retailer’s latest performance demonstrates consumer resilience in the category, though analysts poked at the company’s operating margin expectations.

By Dani James • Sept. 5, 2025

Gap Inc. bets big on beauty, accessories

At the Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference, Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson called these high-margin “sleeper categories” that its customers want.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 4, 2025

Worldpay rewires for bot shoppers

The processor aims to prepare its merchant clients for the opportunities and risks of AI-driven agentic shopping.

By Lynne Marek • Sept. 3, 2025

Consumers want AI guardrails, but few business leaders have policies in place

More than one-quarter of customer experience leaders say their organization is ready to deploy agentic AI, despite having no governance policy in place, Genesys found.

By Michael Brady • Sept. 3, 2025

Dollar General revenue grows, but tariffs begin impacting prices

The retailer, which noted shrink improvements helped Q2 gross profit, reported growth with consumers across income brackets.

By Dani James • Aug. 28, 2025

The Backroom: Bankruptcy court is in session

Debtwire’s global head of legal, Sarah Foss, and Retail Dive Senior Reporter Daphne Howland discuss retailer bankruptcies – in 2025 and beyond.

By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 28, 2025

Mass beauty outpaces prestige in the first half of 2025

Fragrance was the fastest-growing category in the mass channel, with dollar sales up 17%.

By Howard Ruben • Aug. 27, 2025

Consumer confidence dips on anxiety about jobs, income

The average 12-month expectation for inflation jumped to 6.2% this month from 5.7% in July, the Conference Board found in a consumer survey.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 27, 2025

Rethinking eCommerce returns as a value driver

Transform eCommerce returns from costly headaches into profit opportunities with strategic supply chain solutions that enhance customer experience while protecting your bottom line.

By Lars R. Dzedek, Global Head of Returns and Circularity at DHL Supply Chain • Aug. 25, 2025

Home Depot sales up nearly 5% in Q2, reaffirms full-year outlook

The home improvement retailer notched a 1% comp sales gain, below analysts’ estimates, as consumers take on fewer large discretionary projects.

By Caroline Jansen • Aug. 19, 2025

Active footwear a bright spot in the first half of the year

Nevertheless, a Circana report found U.S. footwear sales fell 1% from January to June, with the fashion and outdoor categories leading the declines.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 19, 2025

Target and Ulta’s ‘conscious uncoupling’

A shop-in-shop deal ends as both companies get back to retail basics. Analysts weigh in on the move while Bank of America downgraded Target.

By Dani James • Aug. 18, 2025

The Weekly Closeout: Walmart settles $5.6M lawsuit, Target drops Halloween assortment

The consumer protection lawsuit alleged the mass retailer overcharged customers, while products from Target's spooky collection start at $1.

By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 15, 2025

Over half of holiday shoppers plan to use AI to compare prices, search for products

Consumers are shopping earlier and leveraging AI tools to find the best deals amid a holiday season clouded with economic uncertainty, per a new report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 14, 2025

How to win back-to-school marketing as American Eagle’s big bet blows up

Though spending forecasts are bleak, value-focused messaging and smart social media plays could help brands transcend the turbulence. 

By Jessica Hammers • Aug. 13, 2025

After 3 years of consistency, toy prices are on the rise

The industry is showing strength, as consumers are anticipating even higher prices, according to a Circana report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 11, 2025

The Brand Impact Index 2025: How today’s leading brands shape a better future

We asked consumers what keeps them loyal. Our research shares the secrets from the top performing brands and how they keep up with changing consumer demand. 

By Jorge Aguilar • Aug. 11, 2025

Why Claire’s is closing 700 US stores, mulling liquidation

If a buyer doesn’t come forward, and some analysts doubt any will, the retailer is prepared to wind down its operations in North America.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 7, 2025