2025 Holiday Sales to Exceed $1 Trillion, NRF Predicts
U.S. holiday retail sales are projected to cross $1 trillion for the first time, signaling steady consumer demand and a crucial test for omnichannel strategy execution.
Grocery Retail Media Becomes a Full-Funnel Growth Engine
Retail media in grocery is evolving fast—from ad sideline to core growth strategy—reshaping merchandising, loyalty, and in-store operations.
IKEA U.S. and Best Buy Launch In‑Store Kitchen & Laundry Centers
IKEA U.S. and Best Buy partner to introduce immersive in‑store kitchen and laundry planning centers, blending home‑furnishing design with big‑box electronics retail.
“Polycrisis”‑Era Shoppers Force Grocers to Adapt With Trust, Value & Digital Focus
Grocery shoppers in 2025 are savvy, skeptical and operating within a “polycrisis” mindset — forcing grocers to focus on value, trust and seamless digital‑in‑store experiences.
Exiger Wins Multi‑Million Dollar AI Contract to Support CBP’s Trade Compliance Mission
Exiger’s AI platform will empower CBP to detect illicit transshipment in global trade flows, raising stakes for supply‑chain visibility, import compliance and retail sourcing practices.
Administration Appeals Judge’s SNAP Funding Mandate Amid Shutdown
The Trump administration appeals a judge’s order to fully fund SNAP in November, creating uncertainty for grocers and retailers serving benefit‑dependent shoppers.
Over 3,700 U.S. Retail Stores Scheduled to Close in 2025
More than 3,700 store closures have been announced in the U.S. by November 2025, highlighting major structural challenges across retail chains.
Dollar General Appoints AI SVP to Accelerate Operational Efficiency
Dollar General names Travis Nixon as SVP of AI Optimization, signaling a major push to embed AI across store operations, supply chain and merchandising.
Holiday 2025: Unlocking Incremental Growth in the Grocery Channel
As consumers plan value‑driven holiday spending, grocery retailers must activate guest‑first insights, closed‑loop metrics and omnichannel campaigns to unlock incremental growth in 2025.
New U.S. Bill Seeks to Block Grocery Tariff Hikes Amid Cost Pressures
New legislation would require Congress to approve any tariffs on food imports, aiming to curb rising grocery prices driven by recent duty hikes.
SNAP Changes Could Cost Convenience Stores ~$1 B in Compliance
Proposed SNAP purchase restrictions could impose up‑to‑$1 billion in upfront compliance costs on U.S. convenience stores, signaling major operational risk across the food‑retail sector.
Kroger, Instacart Launch AI Cart Assistant and Expand Express Delivery
Kroger and Instacart launch Cart Assistant, an AI-powered grocery planning tool, alongside expanded 30-minute Express Delivery across 2,700 stores.
Grocers Accelerate Tech Investment Amid 2025 Shift
Grocery retailers are increasing technology investment in 2025—boosting analytics, automation and digital tools to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Bentonville Retail & Grocery Industry Expands as Walmart Deepens Local Investments
In November 2025, Bentonville’s retail and grocery industries grow through Walmart investment and tech innovation, despite signs of softer consumer spending.
Oil Prices Slide as Oversupply and U.S.–China Trade Tensions Weigh
Oil prices are retreating amid warnings of a 4 million‑barrel‑per‑day supply surplus and renewed U.S.–China trade tensions dampening consumption.
U.S. Government Shutdown Forces Major U.S. Airlines to Cut Flights
A U.S. government shutdown is forcing major airlines to cut up to 10 % of flights, disrupting travel plans and raising stakes for local businesses tied to logistics and tourism.