Latest news
Rapid changes in U.S. tariff policy have triggered major adjustments in retail supply chains and procurement strategies, with consumer confidence declining and the holiday season facing unique challenges. In this episode of The Backroom podcast, Supply Chain Dive senior editor Phil Neuffer joins to review the impact of tariffs on the industry and preview the free online event on January 28.
Amazon's advertising business continued to accelerate growth in 2025, with Q3 revenue up 24% year-over-year to nearly $18 billion. At the UnBoxed conference, the company introduced full-funnel advertising campaigns and an upgraded Campaign Manager, leveraging AI to integrate sponsored ads with its demand-side platform, while enhancing Prime Video's streaming TV advertising capabilities, claiming to reach an average of 315 million global viewers monthly.
Halloween has evolved from a brief seasonal holiday into a multi-month, all-age consumption event. This year, consumers are expected to spend over $13 billion, with per capita spending nearing $300. The Retail Dive podcast 'The Backroom' explores the implications of this trend for the upcoming holiday season.
In the first half of this year, retailers repeatedly noted on earnings calls that consumer behavior has been resilient, even as macroeconomic pressures such as tariffs affect both shoppers and businesses. Some retailers have still seen sales growth in traditional discretionary categories, while others have struggled to keep pace. Companies like Target have announced October promotions and expanded product assortments and same-day delivery coverage. Retail Dive reporters Daphne Howland and Dani James outline what is known before the holiday season and industry expectations.
Facing persistent same-store sales declines in North America, Lululemon acknowledges it has become too predictable in its casual offerings. CEO Calvin McDonald has proposed a plan to raise the share of new styles to 35% and adjust the design team. However, institutions like HSBC believe the brand has fallen into a 'downward spiral,' grappling with the dual challenges of intensifying competition and the loss of core customers.
Earlier this year, the Scattered Spider hacker group breached the networks of several major U.S. retailers and suppliers, testing the low-key cybersecurity collaboration within the retail industry. The Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) plays a key role in coordinating defense by sharing intelligence, strategies, and collaborating with tech giants to enhance overall industry resilience. However, industry fragmentation, member diversity, and human vulnerabilities remain challenges.
Not all U.S. shopping malls are in decline; some B-class malls are being redefined as 'evergreen' assets. WPG CEO Chris Conlon proposes specific criteria, while experts from Green Street and Northmarq share insights, though some skeptics argue that the traditional mall model is no longer sustainable.
The U.S. officially terminated the de minimis duty exemption for global commercial parcels in July, significantly earlier than the original 2027 timeline. This move will raise costs for low-value imported goods and may trigger customs congestion during peak season. Experts advise shippers to identify SKUs reliant on this policy, simulate tariff costs, and consider shifting to bulk imports into U.S. warehouses, while monitoring transitional arrangements for postal channels.